Member Article

Cheshire and Warrington LEP announces first growing places Fund investment for Kingfisher Square

Cheshire and Warrington LEP has announced the first investment project for the Growing Places fund with £235,000 allocated to Square One Homes to deliver twelve housing units at Kingfisher Square at Manchester Road, Warrington.

The Growing Places fund provides a real opportunity to kick-start employment and residential development projects in the sub-region. The Kingfisher Square project will be a unique and innovative development to create affordable housing for first -time buyers and key workers in the area.

Christine Gaskell, Chair of the Cheshire and Warrington LEP said:

“The Growing Places Fund provides essential enabling infrastructure and we are pleased to announce the allocation of funds to bring forward residential development opportunities and unlock stalled developments.”

Louise Morrissey, Chair of Growing Places Fund said:

“This type of project is what the Growing Places fund is for, making it quicker for projects to get off the ground but also securing a return on that investment for the local area. The total fund available from Government for Cheshire & Warrington was £13m. As we are awarding loans rather than grants we do have an investment fund at our disposal, and are open to further expressions of interest.”

Mike Dowse, Director of Square One Homes commented:

“This development offers a new exciting and uniquely innovative development of twelve purposely designed homes to meet the needs of both first time buyers and key workers in Warrington. The scheme has been “Designed for Living” and will offer homes for outright purchase from only £65,950. The scheme will be marketed through Meller Braggins in Stockton Heath, and constructed by Whitfield & Brown. We are delighted to have worked closely with the Cheshire and Warrington LEP and Warrington Borough Council in the delivery of this first scheme for Square One Homes.”

Councillor Terry O’Neill, Leader Warrington Borough Council said:

“Repopulating our town centre and providing aspirational and affordable homes are key elements in our framework for growth, Warrington Means Business, and we are delighted that the LEP Growing Places fund has supported this innovative development’

The Growing Places fund is currently open for expressions of interest, with immediate funds available for loans. We are looking for development projects that could benefit from such funding. There are no formal bidding rounds - the fund is always open.

For further information on GPF please contact Gary Collins at the LEP Investment and Development Manager 01606 812 283 or at gary.collins@candwlep.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Laura Young .