Development partner appointed for ambitious regeneration of former power station site

Development partner appointed for ambitious regeneration of former power station site

Wigan Council has appointed Persimmon Homes as its preferred development partner for the regeneration of Westwood Park, a major brownfield site that served as a power station for decades.

Strategically located close to Wigan town centre and the A49 link road, there are proposals to build an aspirational new community at Westwood Park; a high-quality mixed-use development that has the potential to deliver more than 450 homes, including affordable homes, and modern employment space.

Previously earmarked to become one of Europe’s biggest landfill sites after its power station use, there is also a unique opportunity to deliver high-quality green infrastructure around Westwood Park due to its proximity to the Flashes of Wigan and Leigh, protecting and strengthening the surrounding green spaces and natural habitats.

Councillor Susan Gambles, portfolio holder for housing and welfare, said: "The proposals at Westwood Park represent a major opportunity to transform a former power station into a new sustainable community that can deliver the homes, jobs, and investment that our borough needs.

“Importantly, these proposals also include a provision of genuinely affordable homes, which will help future generations take their first step onto the housing ladder and remain in the communities they want to call home.”

With plans for new homes, employment space, and green infrastructure, Westwood Park represents one of the most significant proposals in Wigan Borough’s Local Plan, which is set to be submitted to government at the end of the year.

In line with the council’s commitment to deliver sustainable good growth, the Local Plan identifies appropriate land to support residents with affordable homes, skilled jobs, and economic opportunity, whilst also ensuring that development is accompanied by the necessary infrastructure to support future generations.

At Westwood Park, the commitment to building sustainable communities is further reinforced due to its location next to the Flashes of Wigan and Leigh and the borough’s ‘Greenheart’, with plans to protect and enhance the surrounding wetlands, habitats, and paths to provide greater access to green spaces.

Moving forward with the Westwood Park proposals highlights the council’s Progress with Unity approach in action; listening deeply and working with communities to ensure that our borough thrives and that any new development should contribute positively to the places it affects.

Councillor Dane Anderton, portfolio holder for economic development and regeneration added: "We are ambitious for the future of our borough and the proposals at Westwood Park are a perfect example of this ambition.

“The proposals aim to bring significant investment into a brownfield site that has naturally evolved and re-greened over time.

“Not only will the proposals help to meet local housing and employment demands, they will also enhance the surrounding environment, provide greater access to green spaces, and reduce pressure on greenfield land elsewhere in the borough.

“This is sustainable good growth: creating opportunity for residents, delivering skilled jobs and affordable homes, strengthening communities, and safeguarding green spaces to build a stronger future for our borough.”