Construction is getting under way on 30 March 2026 to deliver 99 highly sustainable homes on the former Phoenix House and Weaver Street Depot site in Winsford, providing properties for people on the Council's housing waiting list and those seeking affordable routes into home ownership.

The development is being brought forward by Torus in partnership with Cheshire West and Chester Council as part of the Council's broader plans to regenerate the town, transforming a brownfield site into new homes for local residents.

The project will create a mix of 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom homes, offered across social rent, affordable rent and affordable rent-to-buy tenures. This blend reflects the Council’s assessment of local need and is expected to help reduce the housing waiting list.

All properties will be highly energy efficient and cost-effective to run. It is the first Council-facilitated scheme to be 100% net zero carbon in use, with every home fitted with solar panels and air source heat pumps.

-- Advertisement --

Situated off Clough Road and Weaver Street, the site previously housed the Council’s Highways and Waste Management Depot, which closed in October 2022 before services were relocated. The depot was demolished in 2023 and planning permission for 99 affordable homes is already in place.

The Council completed disposal of the land to Registered Provider Torus on 25 March 2026, following a Cabinet decision on 11 February 2026 to accelerate delivery of housing to meet identified local demand.

External funding of £2,243,000 from Homes England and One Public Estate supported vacating the site, relocating services, demolishing redundant buildings and remediating the land to prepare it for redevelopment.

Section 106 contributions linked to the scheme will bolster Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision across the Borough, as well as local health services, transport infrastructure and new public open space around the development.

By bringing more homes close to the town centre, the project is expected to increase footfall and strengthen a vibrant, sustainable centre created through the Council-led regeneration. The main construction elements of the first-phase £22 million town centre regeneration are now complete, marking the largest investment since the 1960s. Retailers including Costa Coffee and B&M have joined Peacocks, Greggs, Nationwide, MyDentist, Caprinos, Hollie&Co., Tur&Co. and Specsavers in relocating to new units. The refurbishment of Winsford Market is due to proceed, with ongoing improvements also planned for Winsford Cross Shopping Centre.