Work to begin on the building of highly sustainable homes in Winsford

Work is beginning on the building of 99 highly sustainable homes on the site of the Phoenix House and Weaver Street Depot in Winsford, benefitting people on the Council’s housing waiting list and those wanting to buy an affordable home.

The scheme is being delivered by Torus in partnership with Cheshire West and Chester Council as part of the Council’s ambitions for the wider regeneration of the town, turning a brownfield site into new homes for the people of Winsford.

The scheme will involve the building of 99 new 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom homes, including a mix of social rent, affordable rent, and affordable rent to buy properties. This approach aligns with the Council’s assessment of local housing need and will support a reduction in the Council’s housing waiting list.

The homes will be highly energy efficient and cost effective to run. The scheme will be the first facilitated by the Council to be 100% net zero carbon in use, which means that all properties will benefit from Solar Panels and Air Source Heat Pumps.

Located off Clough Road and Weaver Street, the site was previously used as the Council Highways and Waste Management Depot. The Depot closed in October 2022 and the services relocated to other Council sites. Demolition of the Depot took place in 2023. Planning permission is already in place for the development of 99 affordable homes at the site.

Council disposal of the site to Registered Provider Torus took place on 25 March 2026, following a decision by Cabinet at a meeting on 11 February 2026, to bring forward housing to meet the identified need of the local population. Work is beginning on 30 March 2026.

The Council has received external funding in the sum of £2,243,000 from Homes England and One Public Estate to allow for the site to be vacated, services re-provided elsewhere, redundant buildings to be demolished, and the ground to be remediated so the land is ready for redevelopment.

There are also Section 106 payments connected to the scheme which will support in areas such as SEND provision across the Borough, health services in the local area, transport infrastructure and public open space around the site.

The creation of more housing close to the town centre will help to drive more footfall and support a vibrant and sustainable town centre which is being created as part of the Council-led regeneration project. The main elements of the construction work on the first phase £22 million regeneration of Winsford town centre is now complete, marking the biggest investment in the town centre since the 1960s. The regeneration has boosted the local economy, with Costa Coffee and B&M joining other businesses including Peacocks, Greggs, Nationwide, MyDentist, Caprinos, Hollie&Co., Tur&Co. and Specsavers in relocating to new units in the town centre. The refurbishment of Winsford Market is set to take place, with continued improvements also being made to Winsford Cross Shopping Centre.

Cllr Christine Warner, Cabinet Member for Homes and Planning, said:

“We are delighted to be working with Torus to deliver 99 new homes for the people of Winsford. These properties are vital to help us meet the need for housing in our local area, and a mix of social rent, affordable rent, and affordable rent to buy ensures these homes will be accessible to all. Using energy efficient technology to make the homes zero carbon in use is crucial in helping us to become a carbon neutral borough as we respond to the climate emergency.”

Cllr Nathan Pardoe, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Regeneration and Digital Transformation, said:

“The regeneration of a former depot site into 99 highly sustainable homes complements the Council’s regeneration of Winsford Town Centre and creates the homes that local people need right in the heart of the town.

“It’s a positive time for Winsford, with residential development and the infrastructure that supports it being delivered by the Council and our partners alongside ongoing investment in Winsford Town Centre.”

Steve Alcock, Director of Development & Technical at Torus Development, said:

“With living costs continuing to rise, the need for genuinely affordable homes has never been greater. Torus is committed to working in Cheshire West, and this development will provide highly efficient houses and apartments in a sustainable location in central Winsford. Construction of the homes is being undertaken by our Group contractor, HMS, delivering additional social value as 100% of its profits are invested into social value projects. This is a truly regenerative development that will benefit the existing community in Winsford.”

More information on regeneration projects in Winsford can be found on the Council website:

Winsford regeneration | Cheshire West and Chester Council

Pictured - CGI impressions of what the development could look like.