Work is set to start on the final phase of the Griffin housing regeneration scheme in Blackburn.
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The development, led by McDermott Homes in partnership with Great Places Housing Group, will deliver 80 new homes, including a mix of privately owned and affordable properties, completing the transformation of the Griffin area.
It builds on the first phase off Shakespeare Way, which delivered 56 new affordable homes and attracted more than 400 applications.
Councillor Julie Gunn, Deputy Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council and ward councillor for the area, said:
We know that improving the quality of housing in our borough is one of the very best ways to help improve the lives of our residents.
Almost £20m has already been invested in housing in this part of Blackburn, and the impact has been incredible – we’ve seen first-hand how it’s helped transform the area and genuinely changed lives.
Now, we have a fantastic opportunity to build on that success with this second phase, delivering a great mix of homes for people to buy and affordable options for those who need them.
Funding has been secured through Section 106 contributions to support the development, including work to address site complexities.
In anticipation of the work starting, the site has now been fenced off with access currently being maintained for residents for as long as possible.
Councillor Gunn added:
This has been a particularly complex site to bring forward, and reaching this stage is a testament to our determination and the strength of our partnerships.
We’re now looking forward to work officially starting and even better, the first residents moving in.
The homes will be built using red brick to reflect local character, with existing trees and hedges retained where possible.
A new access road will also be created, linking to the nearby mini roundabout.
Andrew Darbyshire, Land Director at McDermott Homes, said:
We are delighted to have been chosen to work in partnership on the final phase of the Griffin Regeneration with Great Places to deliver a scheme for both private and affordable homes.
The development, once completed, will provide new homes to an area where demand is expected, and we are genuinely excited at the prospect of improving the local environment for the existing community.
Great Places has delivered 138 homes across the Griffin and Mill Hill areas in recent years, including the first phase at Griffin, which brought £8m of investment to the area.
Nick Gornall, Director of Growth at Great Places, said:
We’re delighted to be part of the second phase of the Griffin housing regeneration scheme.
The success of the first phase demonstrated the profound impact high-quality, mixed tenure affordable housing can have on the community.
Our partnership with McDermott Homes and Blackburn with Darwen Council exemplifies the power of collaboration in delivering sustainable and impactful development.
We have invested in the regeneration of the local area for many years and look forward to seeing the Griffin area flourish further.
Regeneration projects delivered by Great Places in the area include:
Shakespeare Way, Griffin – £8.1m scheme – 56 new homes
Bowen Street, Mill Hill – £3.3m scheme – 24 new homes
Shorrock Lane, Mill Hill – £2.8m scheme – 16 new homes
New Wellington Street, Mill Hill – £5.1m scheme – 42 new homes
