Caddick Construction has been appointed by Wigan Council as its construction partner for a £11.7m extra care housing scheme for the town. The project is part funded through Homes England, through the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Work is scheduled to begin this month with completion in late 2022.

The ambitious scheme on Sandalwood Drive, off Forest Avenue, will deliver a mix of housing for the extra care scheme including 48 new build one-bed apartments, 3 two-bed apartments and 18 bungalows. Caddick Construction will also undertake all associated external works, drainage and services.

As part of the Council’s sustainability commitment, the development will also feature heating through Ground Source Heat Pump technology and Solar PV technology, electric vehicle charging points to allow visitors and residents to adopt greener lifestyles, as well as installation of several discreet eco-habitat boxes to encourage local wildlife in the area.

Caddick Construction Managing Director Ian Threadgold said: “We are delighted to be working with Wigan Council on such an important scheme that will bring much-needed extra care housing provision to Wigan.

“The mix of one and two bed apartments along with the bungalows as part of the development means there will be a more choice locally for those who want to still enjoy independent living but with the assurance of extra care when they need it.”

Councillor Keith Cunliffe, deputy leader of the council and cabinet member for adult and social care, said: “We know having the right home in the right place has a direct impact on someone’s health and wellbeing and their quality of life.

“That is why extra care housing developments like this in Sandalwood Drive are vital to our long-term vision of delivering a high standard of accommodation that is well designed, attractive, and affordable for residents.”

“Once complete, the scheme should allow people who require extra support to live more independently in their own homes and help tackle social isolation issues.”

Architects for the scheme are MHA Architects with designers AA Projects Ltd and structural engineers Sutcliffe.