Placefirst’s £9.4m Accrington scheme nears completion
The build-to-rent developer has entered the final phase of its £9.4m housing project to refurbish and remodel over 200 Victorian terraced houses in Accrington.
The Woodnook site, a residential neighbourhood on the edge of Accrington town centre, was previously set for demolition. The final phase of the scheme includes work to 26 houses, which are set to be stripped back to brick and remodelled for modern layouts.
Placefirst, working with Hyndburn Council to deliver the scheme, has also enhanced the public realm by creating a new park, performed property facelift works, and repaired rear alleyways.
The first homes are expected to be ready by the end of October and all works completed by the end of 2019.
Placefirst is also currently working on schemes for 90 homes at West End One and Two in Morecambe, 299 homes in Welsh Streets in Liverpool, and 200 homes for Central Street in Bolton. The developer plans to create 3,500 homes by 2023.
Martin Ellerby, head of new business and innovation at Placefirst, said: “It is with great pride that Placefirst announce this final round of housing investment in woodnook. Through close collaboration with Hyndburn Borough Council, Woodnook has been transformed and now offers some of the best rented accommodation in the borough. Where once there were hundreds of empty homes and associated environmental problems, there are now over 120 purpose-built rental homes, new public spaces and an enhanced high street.
“Woodnook was our first ever build-to-rent regeneration project and has demonstrated that, through long-term investment, it is possible to give areas like Woodnook a new lease of life. Hyndburn Borough Council have been a hugely supportive partner and we commend them for the vision and understanding that had transformed Woodnook into the attractive residential neighbourhood we see today.”
Cllr Lorraine Cox, cabinet member for housing and regeneration at Hyndburn Council, said: “The face lifting work at Hudson Street and the lower end of Woodnook will be a welcomed and highly anticipated finale to the regeneration plans for Woodnook. Hyndburn Council in partnership with Placefirst have worked together to transform the houses and the neighbourhood making it an area where once again people are proud to call home.”
