Taylor Wimpey appointed to Bickershaw scheme
The Homes & Communities Agency and Wigan Council have selected Taylor Wimpey as preferred bidder for a mixed-use scheme at the former Bickershaw South colliery site near Wigan.
The development is intended to transform the 45-acre site through the construction of 474 new homes alongside a 10,000 sq ft non-residential development including a community building, café, retail units and the completion of the 40-berth marina facility.
Taylor Wimpey Manchester will lead the development of the reserved matters application for the whole site with the involvement of Wigan Council and the HCA.
The scheme is expected to progress in several phases over eight years with planning consent anticipated for autumn 2013 and the completion of the first homes scheduled for early summer 2014.
Deborah McLaughlin, North West executive director of the HCA, said: "Appointing a developer is a significant milestone for this major land development.
"This area is a former colliery site and has been a priority of the national coalfields programme for a period of time.
"I know that our chosen developer is keen to deliver a project which meets the needs and aspirations of local people, creating much needed affordable homes, leisure facilities and more.
"Not only will it impact on tourism, but it will create jobs for local people, improve the look of the area and bring disused land back to life."
Anthony Mansfield, project director for Taylor Wimpey Manchester, said: "This new development will not only offer a range of private and affordable housing; but with the extensive commercial offerings including a family pub/restaurant and community centre encompassing the Bickershaw site, we are creating an exemplary development which will bring long-lasting benefits to the wider community."
Mike Worden, head of planning and transport at Wigan Council, said: "Bickershaw is a really important regeneration project for the borough and will transform the former colliery site into an attractive canal side housing development.
"It will provide new market and affordable homes, create new jobs and complement other new developments in and around the Local area. We look forward to working with Taylor Wimpey to bring this site forward."
