Next phase of Savick regeneration underway

Community Gateway Association (CGA) has completed the demolition of the empty shops and old-style maisonettes at Savick, ready for the development phase.

In 2017, CGA started developing the area around Savick shops as part of a major regeneration project.

The first phase included the development of six new homes on the site of the former Savick pub.

In August 2020, planning permission was awarded for Phase 2 of the scheme to redevelop the maisonettes and shops on West Park Avenue into modern family homes. CGA described the old properties as outdated, unsightly and often a magnet for anti-social behaviour, which had resulted in half the shops being left vacant.

Permission for the redevelopment of the neighbouring Ainsdale House site in a third phase was also granted. These two latter phases involve significant investment and will take around 12-18 months to complete.

Once finished, the development will offer 12 two-bed homes, 12 three-bed homes and one four-bed home.

Additionally, as a direct result of resident feedback, CGA has also offered to incorporate a brand new retail unit, which will be used as a convenience store, together with a purpose-built modern library.

Lee Garry, Head of Asset Management at Community Gateway said: “We are continuing to invest significantly in the regeneration of this area, demonstrating our commitment to transforming our estates so that they continue to be places where people want to live, work and play.

“The start on site is also a key milestone in our five-year corporate strategy to grow our number of properties across Preston and surrounding areas, so that by 2024 we can offer 7,000 much-needed homes for local people.

“Through listening to what our customers tell us is important to them, we are developing a wide choice of homes for life in areas across the city. The new properties are spacious, suitable for today’s modern families and offer a range of eco-friendly features.”

GK Construction and Project Management will be undertaking the construction works for this project on behalf of CGA.

Gareth Walsh, Managing Director at GK Construction and Project Management, said: “We are delighted to get underway on site with this new development of 25 affordable homes for Community Gateway, together with library and retail spaces.

“It’s great to be involved with Community Gateway in the provision of these much needed affordable two, three and four-bedroom homes for the local community.”