AN MP has intervened over fears raised after a Warrington-based home developer entered administration.
Lane End Developments Construction Ltd, headquartered on Stockport Road in Thelwall, posted a notice on its website announcing the news.
Jeremy Woodside and Frank Ofonagoro, of Quantuma Advisory Ltd, have been appointed as joint administrators.
Lane End is behind a large apartment scheme in the town centre, with building work on more than 100 affordable homes on Academy Way, formerly home to a Kwik Save, being completed back in October.
The £16.3million scheme, Roebuck Plaza, is the biggest investment that Torus has made in a new build scheme in the town.
Building contractor Lane End carried out the work, and it was in takeover talks in February in a bid to appoint an administrator.
Lane End has built more than 1,100 homes in the north west, according to its website, and it is believed to employ around 100 members of staff.
It is currently on-site on a string of projects, including a 205-unit development in Winsford with Jigsaw Homes and a 118-home scheme on the former site of Helsby Sports and Social Club.
Weaver Vale MP Mike Amesbury has intervened over fears that the latter development would be left partially built following the administration.
Mr Amesbury was contacted by concerned residents when work stopped at two adjacent housing schemes.
Lane End had been developing the 118-home scheme with partners at Laurus Homes, an arm of the L&Q housing association.
Largely funded by the housing scheme, the sports club moved to a new state-of-the-art facility off in 2021.
Lane End had also been working on a 215-dwelling scheme with housing association Onward Homes to deliver 100 per cent affordable homes supported by a grant from Government agency Homes England.
Feeling reassured, Mr Amesbury, who has been in contact with both housing associations involved, said: “I intervened after understandable concerns in the community.
“Nobody wants to see a half-finished housing estate, and I am pleased to report Onward and L&Q are determined to crack on. Onward say they are absolutely committed to the scheme.
“L&Q are also saying that finishing the project to the highest standard is its top priority and they are working with any affected customers.”
Mr Amesbury hopes there is a way forward for Lane End Developments. If not, he believes a deal can be struck with another house builder to complete the under-construction homes.
The MP added: “What people want are good quality, affordable homes. But I have also pressed the case for investment in the infrastructure, especially given the pressures on local schools.”
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