April 2009
Leading North West housebuilder Arley Homes has acquired a new site for development in Wigan. The luxury developer purchased the 1.25 acre site in Atherton from Wigan Borough Council.
Permission has been granted for 28 two- and three- bedroom family homes on land off Gloucester Street, the site of the former Two Porches Primary School which closed in 2006. The site was first tendered for sale in April 2007 but, following the withdrawal of a previous developer, Arley Homes secured planning consent in December 2008 and completed the purchase at the end of March. Construction has now started on site with the first properties due to be complete by the autumn.
John Cosgrave, managing director of Arley Homes, said the contract represented significant investment in the area. He said: “Notwithstanding the extremely difficult market conditions of recent times I am delighted to have secured this new development.
“This represents a significant investment by Arley Homes in the Wigan area which will hopefully provide and maintain a number of local construction-related jobs, both directly and indirectly, with contractors and suppliers.
“This deal demonstrates the strong desire Arley has to work with landowners, and the community, to deliver high quality homes in great locations across the North West.”
Chris Kershaw, Arley Homes property director, said the deal was testament to both Arley Homes and Wigan Borough Council. He said: “This piece of land has been under discussion for a number of years so I am delighted that the hard work of the council and our team here at Arley Homes has resulted in this acquisition.”
Arley, having successfully signed new banking facilities in the autumn of last year, is also in negotiation with a number of other landowners and developers over a wide range of schemes across the region. The company has a reputation for experience and integrity and offers landowners a flexible approach to developing their assets, particularly under difficult and uncertain economic conditions.
John Cosgrave added: “At Arley, we have always been very selective about the opportunities in which we invest management time and capital. Although we have considerable experience in a wide range of construction forms, Arley has for the last few years focused on traditional family accommodation. We have, therefore, limited our exposure to the now depressed apartment and high-density townhouse schemes, which are proving such a burden to so many developers.
“We believe that we are in a very strong position to explore new opportunities. Our land team is very experienced and we are happy to speak to anyone who is keen to do business and maximise their assets.”
For more information or to contact property director Chris Kershaw, please call Arley Homes on 01925 651155. Arley Homes is based in Warrington.
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Press contact:
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Bell Pottinger North (01625) 506444/411/435
dgarritty@bellpottingernorth.co.uk/hbutler@bellpottingernorth.co.uk
