HOMEBUILDER Northstone has officially kickstarted work to deliver a mix of new, energy efficient homes in Horwich, Bolton.
Enabling work has begun at the former Horwich Golf Club site to deliver phase one of the community, which will see 177 homes delivered at the site to be known as ‘Cynefin’.
The first phase will include a wide housing mix responding to local demand, including 1-bed apartments, 2-bed bungalows, 2-5 bed family homes and 2-4 bed townhouses. Of those, 34% will be affordable and made available at both affordable rent and discount market rent.
Earthworks have started to enable delivery of the key infrastructure, with construction of the roads and sewers set to start this month and the main access point off Victoria Road set to be created before Christmas. It’s expected the first homes will be available as early as Autumn 2024, with reservations being taken from Spring 2024.
‘New, new build’
Northstone have been delivering what they call the ‘new, new build’ – challenging outdated perceptions of poor quality new builds with hidden ‘extras’. Homes at Horwich will come with a long list of features as standard, from AI lighting and heating controls, all flooring and luxury kitchens, to integrated appliances, built-in wardrobes and sheds.
Chris Okey, head of pre construction at Northstone, said: “We’ve already made great progress on the earthworks and installation of retaining walls that form the development areas where the homes will be built. We’ll be on-site creating the access point come Christmas and people will see the energy-efficient homes take shape by next spring – with the first plots being those next to Bond Close.
“We’re absolutely committed to being a considerate neighbour to the surrounding communities, and have been updating locals on our planned activity as we got going. We’re doing everything we can to make delivery of Cynefin one of our most sustainable projects yet.
“The end result will be a high-quality community with a wide housing choice for people at different stages of their life, whether first time buyers, those wanting to rent or downsizers looking for a bungalow.”
Awards for sustainability
Northstone began its journey in Bolton, with its design-led communities Silkash and Airie. The company has since gone on to win awards for its sustainable approach to development – which includes diverting waste from landfill, increasing biodiversity and positively engaging the local community.
Owing to commitment to creating nature-friendly communities, it also became the first homebuilder in the UK to become a Gold Member of the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside.
The team has discovered that the existing bedrock on site is of the type and quality that it can be processed and used for construction materials – including creating drainage trenches and temporary areas of hardstanding.
It’s meant the team has been able to significantly reduce the reliance on quarried material and the amount of material being brought to and from site. As a result, planned traffic movements have been cut, helping further cut carbon emissions from construction.
Chris Okey added: “Over the years we’ve honed our approach to construction and developed best practice, to minimise waste sent to landfill and to form meaningful partnerships with local groups, so we leave a positive lasting legacy.
“Horwich is no different and we’re looking forward to making a positive impact as we bring forward much-needed homes for Bolton.”
Anyone wanting to register an initial interest in homes at the site can do so by visiting: https://northstone.co.uk/development/cynefin/
