More than 450 homes planned at Westwood Park in Wigan

Wigan Council has announced plans to redevelop Westwood Park in Wigan, following the appointment of Persimmon Homes as its preferred development partner.

The brownfield site, located close to Wigan town centre and the A49 link road, has the potential to deliver more than 450 homes, including affordable homes, and modern employment space as part of a high-quality, mixed-use scheme.

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."

The plans also include employment space and new green infrastructure, making Westwood Park 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.

Westwood Park was previously considered for use as one of Europe’s largest landfill sites.

Its proximity to the Flashes of Wigan and Leigh now presents an opportunity to deliver high-quality green infrastructure, protecting and strengthening the surrounding green spaces and natural habitats.

The development forms part of the council’s wider strategy for sustainable good growth through the Local Plan, which 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.

The site sits next to the Flashes of Wigan and Leigh and the borough’s ‘Greenheart’, with plans to protect and improve surrounding wetlands, habitats and paths while increasing access to green spaces.

Councillor Dane Anderton, portfolio holder for economic development and regeneration, said: "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."

The council said the Westwood Park proposals reflect its Progress with Unity approach, with an emphasis on community involvement and ensuring new development benefits the borough.