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Great Places Housing Group has committed to build 70 new affordable homes as part of a £50million regeneration project in Blackpool centre.
The social housing provider will develop the properties, alongside Hollinwood Homes, part of the Marcus Worthington Group, which is to build 400 new homes across two plots of land off Rigby Road in partnership with Blackpool Council.
The new homes making up Great Places Housing Group’s element of the site will be a mix of bedroom sizes to meet local need, and will be made available for affordable rent for working people.
Great Places received almost £1.3m investment from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) towards the scheme.
Matthew Harrison, chief executive of Great Places, said: “We are excited to be a part of Blackpool’s regeneration and are committed to providing stylish, functional and affordable homes for local people. This development also proves our commitment to the region and will become part of our existing portfolio of 1,300 homes in the Blackpool area.”
Deborah McLaughlin, Executive Director for the North West at the HCA, said: “This major development comes as a result of close partnership working between the HCA, Blackpool Council and other project partners and will form a vital element of Blackpool’s regeneration, providing much needed affordable housing that is already proving popular with the local community.”
The remaining properties from Hollinwood Homes, will consist of two, three and four bedroom homes.
The entire scheme was designed by international architecture firm, Broadway Malyan, and will also see Rigby Road undergo a series of improvements as part of the areas wider regeneration.
This includes the creation of a series of walkways that will link up both sites with Blackpool’s promenade, town centre and nearby parks.
Mark Chadwick, residential development director of Hollinwood Homes, said: “We are pleased that this agreement to provide these new affordable homes has been agreed with Great Places Housing Group, as we know there is a real need for this type of property in Blackpool town centre and feel that they are best placed to deliver that.
“The regeneration of this part of Blackpool will really herald a new era for this largely derelict site, creating a brand new and vibrant community while also providing high quality, energy efficient new homes with plenty of outdoor space, all at an affordable price.”
