Century Mill: housing group buys Farnworth site and plans to build 106 homes there

A housing group’s plan to build more than 100 new homes at an old mill site in Bolton has taken another step forward after it bought the location.

Your Housing Group has completed the purchase of the 5.46 acre site at Century Mill in Farnworth where it plans to build 106 energy-efficient new homes.

The housing organisation already has planning permission for the site and says its scheme to provide affordable homes for Greater Manchester residents is being supported by Bolton Council, with grant funding being provided from a pot to help build on brownfield sites.

What is happening at Century Mill in Farnworth?

Your Housing Group has appointed Westchurch Homes to build its scheme at Century Mill. The initial plan is for 106 energy-efficient homes with what Your Housing Group calls a range of housing types and tenures.

The organisation already has planning permission for the George Street site and is working closely with the town hall to progress the development. Grant funding is coming from Homes England and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority through its brownfield fund, while the consultant team includes CPC Project Services and Chilton Estates.

Your Housing Group says Century Mill is a good place to build affordable homes for local residents as the site has good transport links and schools and play areas nearby.

The scheme is expected to be completed some time in 2026.

What has been said about the Century Mill housing scheme?

Lorraine Donnelly, development director at Your Housing Group, said: “We are pleased to have concluded the acquisition of this site and look forward to bringing the development forward. Your Housing Group has ambitious growth plans to provide a variety of quality, safe and affordable homes for every stage of life.

“We currently have a number of developments across the Greater Manchester region and hope to bring much needed housing to the area, unlocking affordable living for local people and building thriving communities.”

Oliver Chan, business development manager at Westchurch Homes, said: “We gained planning consent in December 2022 and are now delighted to have entered into contract with Your Housing Group to deliver 106 quality homes. Century Mill is an extremely challenging site and one that will make a major difference to the local housing demand.

“These mixed tenure homes will all be built to the Future Homes Standard with air source heat pumps. This is the first site to come forward between Westchurch and Your Housing Group, with one in St Helens soon to follow. We hope to establish a long and successful partnership of working together from here on.”