An affordable homes development in partnership with Wigan Council, Wigan and Leigh Homes, the Homes & Communities Agency and the local community, Riding Close was named ‘Best New Build Scheme’ by the National Federation of ALMOS Awards 2016. The project was also shortlisted for the ‘Best Affordable Housing Scheme – Small’ at the Housing Excellence Awards 2016.
Built on a former council transport depot, the £9.5m regeneration development addresses financial exclusion, by providing much needed high-quality affordable homes for local people, supporting the Affordable Warmth agenda.
The development includes 81 new homes - two and three-bed houses, two-bed bungalows and one and two-bed apartments - designed to Lifetime Homes and Secured by Design standards.
Homes range from 47m² to 90m² and the development has a net density of 42.63 homes per hectare. Each property has energy efficient communal heating, providing lower fuel bills and is complimented by parking and gardens. With no existing public rights of way the design also included a link to the cycle network and pedestrian access site to the main road. A ramp provides a link to an adjacent existing sheltered housing scheme.
The housing layout carefully considered specific issues such as security, overlooking neighbouring properties, visual appeal and the character of the local area. The access road was shortened to increase green space and gardens.
The scheme was delivered in eight phases, planned with the client to effectively accommodate their capacity for lettings and moving-in schedules. Each new home was allocated through a Local Letting Policy with an emphasis upon local connection. Each tenant was supported through the allocation process with financial assessments and affordability advice.
