Member Article

Horwich Loco Works mixed use project given green light

Bolton Council has given the go-ahead to a mixed use redevelopment of the former Horwich Loco Works site, one of the largest ever regeneration schemes proposed in the region.

Working on behalf of Horwich Vision, a partnership between Bluemantle Limited and Orbit Developments, Manchester based HOW Planning submitted a hybrid planning application earlier this year and approval paves the way for the scheme to be brought forward for development.

Horwich Vision’s scheme , which represents an investment of over £260m will deliver a mix of uses including up to 1,700 new homes, employment uses, new local facilities including shops, community and health facilities and major areas of public open space and supporting infrastructure.

The scheme will provide a new residential community which will, over time, deliver up to 1,700 new dwellings; a new employment zone providing approximately 18,000 sq ft of floorspace and generating up to 1,550 full time jobs on site; and significant new areas of open space and landscaping.

Conor Vallelly, Principal Planner at HOW Planning, said: “Together with Horwich Vision we have been working closely with Bolton Council and other key stakeholders over a number of years, to develop a deliverable, high quality masterplan for this complex site.

“The council’s decision signifies a new chapter for the Loco Works which will deliver major regeneration benefits to Horwich and the wider Borough, injecting significant new investment and the provision of new jobs and homes in a highly sustainable location.”

Mark Caldwell of Horwich Vision said: “Horwich Vision is very pleased that this scheme, which it has worked very hard on for the last seven years, has been resolved to be approved by Bolton Planning Committee.

“As one of the largest regeneration schemes ever proposed in the North of England, Rivington Chase will bring significant new benefits to the residents of Horwich and the surrounding area. We will now work closely with key stakeholders over the next few months to take things to the next stage as soon as possible.”

Bolton Council’s Cabinet Member for Development and Regeneration, Cllr Akhtar Zaman, said: “This is a major regeneration scheme which will mean substantial financial investment of £262 million directly into Horwich and the local area.

“The loco works site is a crucial part of the council’s economic strategy and vision, along with the town centre and the Logistics North.

This development will generate more jobs for local people and also the building of 1,700 new homes which will help towards satisfying the housing need in the town and across the borough.“

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .