Russell Homes starts second JV with Halton Housing

After completing 185 properties in Widnes as part of a £14m joint venture with Halton Housing, Russell Homes has started site remediation to bring forward a further 118 houses off Warrington Road.

The first phase of the project, which included 185 homes on a former industrial site, has been handed over after a two-and-a-half-year construction programme.

This first phase, off Tan House Lane, saw Halton Housing take ownership of 133 properties for rent and shared ownership, while Russell retained 42 for open market sale. All of these sold within 10 months of the site’s launch.

A second phase on a 7.2-acre brownfield site opposite the completed first phase has now started on site, with Russell beginning remediation work to deliver 118 homes.

Halton Housing will retain 69 of these for rent and shared ownership, while Russell will have 49 for open market sale. Russell Homes has been supported by architect MPSL on both phases.

Nicky Harris, Halton Housing’s development manager said: “The completion of the first Tan House Lane development is a major landmark for Halton Housing as it is our largest single new build scheme to date and contributes significantly to increasing our portfolio to meet high demand for homes in this area.

“The development has transformed this part of Halton completely, from a mostly-vacant old industrial area to a thriving residential community.”

Daniel Kershaw, director of Russell Homes, added: “We wanted to ensure quality throughout the design and build of this development, and that there would be no discernible difference between the private and social housing. The first development looks great and has been very popular with local people, as the speed of sales and tenancy requests attest.

“I think it’s clear there is a demand for good quality family homes in this area and thanks to the combined investment of Russell Homes and Halton Housing, we have helped deliver that.”