HPBC awarded planning permission to help new homeowners in Wigan

Housing People, Building Communities (HPBC) has been granted planning permission to develop a vacant church and presbytery into affordable homes. Work is expected to begin in May. And for the first time ever in the borough HPBC will offer a reduction on the purchase price by using buyers’ sweat equity to save money towards a deposit.

The not-for-profit charitable organisation is dedicated to changing lives by addressing the housing crisis with a combination of self-build, volunteering and philanthropy. HPBC is in negotiations with Prima, a provider of quality, safe and affordable homes, with the aim to join forces with HPBC to shape a new community in Wigan.

The project will be delivered in partnership with Prima Housing Group, who are a social housing provider operating across the North West with a vision to create good quality, safe and affordable homes, helping to build strong communities.

The site, in Ince Green Lane, Ince, has lain empty since 2017. The Charity was approached by the Liverpool RC Archdiocese in 2020 who were keen to explore whether the church and presbytery could be retained and repurposed to provide affordable housing for local people using HPBC’s unique model. Plans were submitted to provide 27 new homes.

The appealing design will incorporate the architecture of the church to conserve and retain the character, history and charm of the building, an early twentieth-century red brick lancet Gothic style church, built in 1911.

Said HPBC chief executive Liza Parry: “We are thrilled to be granted planning permission for St Williams, our experience elsewhere has shown us how this development has the potential to be a huge success in the area.

“We had to overcome many obstacles, including some vandalism during the delays, but the local residents have been extremely supportive and have kept an eye on the buildings. The church has always been a landmark in the area and the development will help shape a new community, based on shared values and will give a much needed offering for Wigan.”

“The residents will be creating a real community by contributing to building their own homes and those of their neighbours.”

John Ghader, chief executive of Prima Group commented “We are excited to partner with HPBC in delivering and funding this project, this will complement our other development projects which support a range of underrepresented groups providing new homes for people on low incomes, with mental health or mobility issues, older people and children.”

HPBC’s innovative approach, to help local people get on the property ladder by using 500 hours of sweat equity to reduce their deposit by £10,000, has enabled residents on previous developments to buy, where they may have typically struggled to raise a deposit.

The homes, which will be completed by contractors Holmpatrick Developments Ltd, by October 2024, will give the opportunity for the home buyers, their family and friends to utilise their own skills (and learn new skills) ranging from on-site labour, painting & decorating, and landscaping to admin, marketing and IT support.

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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