MCI, Torus buy St Helens industrial site

The developer, part of housebuilder Keepmoat Homes, with regeneration specialist Torus, has acquired a vacant site at Lancots Lane to redevelop into 63 homes.

Under the land and build deal, the value of which was not disclosed, MCI Developments and Torus will build an £8m scheme comprising a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments and two-, three- and four-bedroom houses.

The properties will all be available for affordable rent and feature designated parking bays and landscaped communal open spaces as part of the scheme.

The land near St Helens was previously used by a skip hire business and sold by a private vendor. MCI and Torus already have planning permission for the site and, now the land sale, is completed, work is expected to start in the coming days and take around two years to complete.

The first residents will be able to move in from February 2022, the developers said.

Alex Wood, regional managing director at MCI Developments, said: “We’re working in partnership with Torus to bring forward this residential scheme at Lancots Lane, which is conveniently located within easy reach of St Helens town centre.

“Our aim is to transform the vacant site into a thriving community, providing affordable housing to local families and breathing new life into this part of the town.

“We’re starting to put preparations in place to commence construction at the development, which will take place this week.”

Chris Bowen, managing director at Torus Developments, added: “This £8m investment will open the door to new, modern and genuinely affordable homes in the area.

“[In addition], our charitable arm, Torus Foundation, will ensure that every single tenant has access to tailored support should they need it to manage their home and improve their careeer prospects.”

MCI in October lodged plans to build 39 affordable homes on land west of Garstang Road in Barton.