Rivers Edge scheme building over 500 homes officially launched

Despite work already commencing in December, an official launch was held for the Rivers Edge housing scheme on brownfield land along the River Mersey.

The homes are located on the former Spectra Packaging site next to Centre Park, with hundreds set to be built either side of the new Centre Park Link road off Chester Road.

Developer Countryside was joined at the site by build-to-rent housing provider Sigma Capital and affordable housing provider Torus to launch the mixed-tenure development.

Also present at the ground-breaking ceremony of the £23.7million project were members of Warrington Borough Council.

Work to build new homes has already commenced at Rivers Edge

Jo Jamieson, chief executive of Partnership North at Countryside, said: “This flagship development is yet another example of Countryside regenerating underused land and transforming it into a community where people will love to live.

“The fact that the homes are built in our Warrington factory, not far from the site and utilising the local workforce, makes the development even more special.”

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.

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.

Cllrs Tom Jennings, Sarah Hall and Steve Wright join Countryside CEO Jo Jamieson and managing director Mark Hadfield at Rivers Edge

Some of the new homes could be completed later this year, with hundreds already being listed for sale.

Cllr Hitesh Patel, the council’s cabinet member for housing, commented: “It is great news that work on the Rivers Edge development is now under way.

“This scheme will provide local people with much-needed homes for sale and rent, with a great mix of affordability, accessibility and sustainability.

“Just as importantly, Rivers Edge will bring new investment into the area, delivering wider benefits to the local community and the environment.

“We want to ensure all of our residents have access to a good choice of quality housing within strong communities which fully meet their needs. This fantastic scheme supports these aims.”

The site of the development next to the River Mersey

As part of the development, Countryside will also be investing £400,000 into the local community.

As well as investing in local health and education provision, this will be used to further improve the local transport network – Slutchers Lane being part of the Centre Park Link that has helped alleviate congestion in Warrington town centre.

Steve Coffey, chief executive at Torus, said: “Every new scheme Torus develops is designed to provide quality housing solutions – homes that cater for current and emerging demand and support stronger communities

“Rivers Edge is no different, and we are delighted to be a part of this multi-tenure partnership scheme.

“Our £15million investment will create 105 family homes in Warrington, a Torus heartland, and ensure local residents have access to excellent affordable homes close to the town centre.”

Work to build new homes has already commenced at Rivers Edge

Jason Berry, regional managing director of Sigma Capital Group, added: “After 15 years of collaborating with Countryside, we are thrilled to be working on this new mixed-tenure site to deliver a range of homes to Warrington.

“With a strong background in urban regeneration, we have a lasting commitment to make a real difference within the UK by bringing well-managed and high-quality homes to individuals and families within local communities.

“By providing the opportunity for a good lifestyle for our residents, as well as benefiting the wider neighbourhood, our homes are all pet-friendly and built within close range to schools, shopping centres and good travel routes.

“We have witnessed a growing demand for quality rental homes in the north west region, so we look forward to launching our Rivers Edge houses and apartments later this year.”