Construction has begun on a scheme to create 14 homes available for rent-to-buy in Preston.

The site in Fulwood will have five three-bedroom houses, and nine two-bedroom apartments in a two-storey block, built on the site of the former St. Martin’s Parish centre. There will also be a new chapel and hall on the site.

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Liverpool-based property company Redwing will operate the rent-to-buy scheme on the £2.8m scheme led by the Regenda Group.

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The plans were developed by working closely with the community, which led to the new chapel and hall for Broughton Parish being at the heart of the scheme.

Designed by architects Paddock Johnson Partnership, and structural and civic engineers Alan Johnson Partnership, the homes will be built to high environmental standards.

The houses will be fitted with air source heat pumps, while the apartments will benefit from photovoltaic panels and KERS indoor heat pumps which convert waste heat from within the homes into low cost, renewable hot water. There will also be electric vehicle charging points throughout.

The scheme provides first time buyers in the area with an exciting opportunity to get onto the property ladder, with all 14 of the highly energy-efficient homes, available for rent-to-buy.

This option gives renters a monthly payment below the market average, affording them the opportunity to start saving money towards a deposit to buy the property. The first residents are expected to move in, in Spring 2023.

John Janew, strategic project manager for the Regenda Group said: “We are delighted to see work begin on this important Regenda Group project that not only brings much needed affordable housing to the area, but also provides a community hub with the new chapel and parish centre for Broughton Parish.”

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The scheme is supported by funding from Homes England and will be project managed by the Regenda Group throughout.

The development will be built by group members, M&Y Maintenance and Construction, with the homes being handed over to Redwing to manage on completion, who are also part of the group.

The chapel and parish centre will be owned by Broughton Parish.

Canon Andrea Titterington, project manager for the parish said: “The St. Martin’s chapel/parish centre project fulfils twin objectives of the Church of England – to use its land to provide good quality, affordable housing and to offer community space for fellowship, service and worship.

“St. Martin’s is a daughter chapel for the parish in the centre of Fulwood and replaces the former 60-year-old building with an energy-efficient facility fit for the 21st century. We welcome the opportunity to work with Regenda and M&Y Maintenance and Construction to realise these goals.”

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Chris Mellor, Construction Director for M&Y Maintenance and Construction said: “This project is really significant for the local community, seeing their parish centre brought back to life alongside new family homes.

“We’re really pleased to be trusted to build the vision and as always are committed to making a positive difference in the community throughout the build.”

Recently, M&Y Maintenance and Construction attended the parish to support their Easter project, with a substantial delivery of Easter Eggs that will be shared with local families in need across Preston.

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