Cheshire: Take a look around the huge new housing estate

Work to build more than 500 homes is progressing at pace as part of the Rivers Edge housing scheme in Warrington, with many complete and having welcomed their new owners.

Work on the huge scheme commenced in December 2021, on the former Spectra Packaging site next to Centre Park and along the River Mersey.

Hundreds of new homes are being built by developer Countryside on either side of Centre Park link road off Chester Road.

The Rivers Edge housing development near the town centre is well underway

Of the 500-plus home development, 258 will be for open sale, 150 will be for rent managed by Sigma Capital, and 105 will be affordable homes managed by Torus.

The site will comprise 413 two, three and four-bedroom houses and 100 apartments.

The site is so large in fact, it is not impossible to believe that this area of Warrington will be referred to as Rivers Edge, in the same way we would say we live in Birchwood or Latchford or Great Sankey.

The Rivers Edge housing development near the town centre is well underway

All of the homes will be closed panel properties, built off-site in Countryside’s modular factory on Europa Boulevard in Gemini, which significantly reduces construction waste and embodied carbon.

The firm said in June last year that a rising desire for homes in Warrington has led to an enormous surge in demand for a new housing development.

Countryside revealed Rivers Edge was among the most searched for developments across the UK at the time, generating more web traffic than any of the housebuilder’s 95 nationwide developments since the start of 2022.

As part of the £23.7million development, Countryside will also be investing £400,000 into the area and community, including into health and education provision.

The Rivers Edge housing development near the town centre is well underway

According to Countryside, the development’s riverside location and connectivity to nearby cities such as Liverpool and Manchester has resulted in a surge of interest from potential homeowners.

The site has attracted buyers from across the north west, including areas in Lancashire, Cheshire and Manchester.

Countryside previously said: “Homebuyers are increasingly seeking greener living.

The Rivers Edge housing development near the town centre is well underway

“They want convenient access to thriving towns and cities but are keen to explore the great outdoors in their free time.

“Added to that, the greater flexibility to work from home that many of us are now provided has resulted in an acceleration from buyers keen to snap up the home of their dreams when it appears on the market.

“We have seen huge desirability presented by our Warrington site, with homeowners looking to find a balance between commutability and green space.

“Plus, it is a location that ticks a lot of other boxes, including affordability, great schools and accessible public transport links.”

The Rivers Edge housing development near the town centre is well underway

The project was praised by Warrington South MP Andy Carter during a visit, and he said: “Getting to see first-hand what ‘modern methods of construction’ means was incredibly insightful, understanding how timescales change for building a home, what can and cannot be made off site and the benefits to the homeowner from this new type of construction.

“The Government is investing in a new skills academy in Warrington to help train young people to work in this area, and we now have a great example of the future of home building in Warrington South.

“The River’s Edge development is a great example of locally-based builders making best use of a brownfield site close to the town centre and local amenities and well served by public transport.

The Rivers Edge housing development near the town centre is well underway

“The level of demand is a clear testament to the offer, and I am looking forward to watching the site develop over the next three years.”

Countryside’s development in the town is set to continue further after acquiring the Peel Hall site in Houghton Green ahead of proposed homes being built.

The threat of the 170-acre site being built on has been one residents have been set against for more than 30 years.

But despite Warrington Borough Council refusing permission for 1,200 homes being built there, the decision was overruled by the Planning Inspectorate in November 2021.

The Rivers Edge housing development near the town centre is well underway

The homes are to be delivered by both Countryside and Vistry’s Housebuilding business in a joint venture with Torus.

Work on site is scheduled to commence in mid-2025 once full planning permission is secured.

Countryside says it will deliver 595 affordable homes in partnership with Torus, as well as 595 homes available on the open market.

It added that the completed development will include ‘significant’ public realm open space, new sports pitches and the creation of a high-quality residential environment.