Wigan brownfield site set for homes

Keepmoat is due to start this month on the redevelopment of the former Barr soft drink factory site on North Road, Wigan, into a £35.5m housing estate.

The housebuilder plans to build 194 two-, three- and four-bedroom properties for sale, alongside public open space and two children’s play areas. The factory has been vacant since Barr relocated its operation to Scotland.

Known as Cottonfields, the project is Keepmoat’s first in Wigan. The developer has said it plans to work closely with Wigan Council to look at ways to regenerate more brownfield sites in the region. Keepmoat acquired the cleared site from Longport Group.

Gareth Roberts, regional managing director for Keepmoat in the North West, said: “We very much specialise in providing homes for the first time buyer market and so we’re excited to be bringing our offer to Wigan. Our focus is on affordable quality and more than 70% of the homes we sell are to those taking that first step on the ladder.

“More importantly this major regeneration project will create employment and training opportunities throughout the build process so we can put back into the local economy.”