Key Points
- A total of 116 new affordable homes have been officially opened at the historic Horwich Loco Works development in Horwich, marking a major milestone for one of Bolton's largest housing schemes.
- The housing project was jointly delivered by housing providers Irwell Valley Homes and Be One Homes, with Irwell Valley Homes delivering 63 of the properties as part of a £15.3m investment scheme.
- The official ribbon-cutting ceremony was performed by Kirith Entwistle, Member of Parliament for Bolton North East and Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
- Funding for the project included £6.4m from Homes England alongside £2.3m granted via the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s (GMCA) Brownfield Land Fund.
- The development provides a combination of shared ownership houses, affordable rent houses, and apartments, with rents capped at 80 per cent of local market rates.
- Eco-friendly property features such as enhanced thermal insulation and roof-mounted solar panels have been integrated to reduce household energy costs for occupants.
- Construction partner Caddick Construction delivered local social value initiatives, including school career events, funding eight apprenticeships, donating over £2,400 to regional charities, and restoring a local Japanese garden.
Bolton (Bolton Today) August 17, 2026 – The initial phase of a major residential regeneration project has reached completion as the first residents move into a tranche of more than 100 newly constructed properties at the historic Horwich Loco Works site. An official ribbon-cutting ceremony took place this week to mark the unveiling of 116 affordable homes in Horwich, representing one of the largest housing developments within the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton. The scheme, delivered through a partnership between social housing providers Irwell Valley Homes and Be One Homes, aims to provide long-term housing security while addressing local demand for sustainable, lower-cost living options across Greater Manchester.
What Is the Significance of the New Horwich Loco Works Scheme?
As reported by Joe Harrigan, Chief Reporter at The Bolton News, the official opening marks a crucial milestone in the wider multi-million-pound transformation of the former industrial railway works into a vibrant residential neighborhood. The 116 newly completed properties offer a balanced mix of tenure types designed to support residents on lower incomes or those attempting to secure their first step onto the property ladder.
The site comprises a mixture of shared ownership houses, alongside affordable rent houses and apartments. Under the affordable rental framework, lease costs are capped at 80 per cent of the prevailing private market rate for the immediate local area, offering significant relief to families facing elevated costs of living.
To further alleviate ongoing financial pressures for incoming families, developers prioritized high-specification environmental standards during construction. Green technology features, including solar panels and enhanced thermal insulation, have been integrated throughout the buildings to optimize energy efficiency and limit household utility expenses ahead of winter weather.
How Are Local Residents Impacted by the New Affordable Housing?
For many local residents, securing a home within the landmark scheme brings an end to years of housing uncertainty and financial strain.
As reported by Joe Harrigan of The Bolton News, new resident Carla Glendening expressed immense relief after successfully securing one of the new properties for herself and her teenage daughter, Lily, following a five-year wait on the social housing list. Glendening outlined her previous housing struggles, stating:
"I have been renting privately, but the rent has just been going up and up. Costs for everything are tight right now."
Highlighting the practical and financial advantages offered by her new property's energy-efficient construction and location, Glendening stated to The Bolton News:
"I know the weather has been so warm recently, so it’s not really mattered, but everything is so well insulated, we’ll be saving money on heating costs too when the winter kicks in. I’m also starting a new job nearby. It all really helps financially."
The transition to permanent, affordable housing also offers long-term stability for families after years in private rentals. Glendening added:
"Moving in with Irwell Valley Homes also feels more secure, like we can put down roots and look to the future. Lily is so excited to move in, get her bedroom how she’d like it and make it her own. It’s been lovely to see her excitement, and we just can’t wait for the fresh start that this new home brings for us."
Who Attended the Official Opening Ceremony in Horwich?
The formal ceremonial opening of the residential scheme saw figures from local government and housing leadership assemble to celebrate the handover of the properties.
As documented by reporter Joe Harrigan in The Bolton News, the official ribbon was cut by Bolton North East MP Kirith Entwistle. Entwistle attended the ceremony in her Parliamentary role, as well as in her capacity as the newly appointed Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. Her involvement underscores central government focus on local authority housing delivery targets and regional regeneration projects across the North West.
How Did Housing Providers and Government Funding Support the Project?
The multi-million-pound build relied on a combination of private sector expenditure, registered provider investment, and targeted government grants designed to redevelop brownfield sites.
As reported by Joe Harrigan of The Bolton News, housing association Irwell Valley Homes directly delivered 63 of the 116 properties as part of their dedicated £15.3m development package on site. Both Irwell Valley Homes and partner organization Be One Homes secured financial backing through central government’s housing delivery agency, Homes England.
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What Was the Total Financial Breakdown of Grants Awarded?
To overcome the challenges associated with redeveloping former industrial railway lands, developers drew upon brownfield development funds. According to coverage by Joe Harrigan in The Bolton News, public grant funding totaled £8.7m across two main streams:
- Homes England Investment: Provided £6.4m in direct funding to support overall site viability and affordable unit numbers.
- GMCA Brownfield Land Fund: Allocated £2.3m via the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to clean up and prepare the brownfield plot for safe residential deployment.
What Statements Were Made by Key Housing Executives?
Leadership figures from the partner housing associations highlighted the broader socioeconomic impact that secure tenure brings to families across Bolton and Greater Manchester.
As quoted by reporter Joe Harrigan of The Bolton News, Sasha Deepwell, Chief Executive of Irwell Valley Homes, emphasized the foundational nature of social housing:
"A safe, secure and affordable home is the foundation for a good life, not just by providing somewhere to live, but by improving health, well-being, independence and financial security. The need for affordable housing has never been greater, and we are ambitious about the role we can play in meeting that challenge across the region."
Deepwell further detailed the broader strategy being deployed by her organization across the region, telling The Bolton News:
"Across Greater Manchester, we’re delivering new social homes, alongside place-making estate regeneration, specialist supported housing and investment in existing homes. By working with partners to meet the different needs of our communities, we can help tackle the housing crisis while supporting regional and national house-building priorities."
Echoing those sentiments, Noel Sharpe, Chief Executive of Be One Homes, expressed pride in seeing the joint venture come to fruition for local families. As reported by Joe Harrigan in The Bolton News, Sharpe stated:
"It's been incredibly rewarding to join our development partners on site and see the positive impact the homes at Loco Works are already having for residents moving in. We're proud of the difference these homes will make to so many people's lives, and we're looking to forward to delivering many more affordable homes in the coming years, as well as investing significantly in our existing properties."
What Additional Community Benefits Were Delivered by the Construction Team?
Beyond the physical bricks and mortar of the 116 homes, the construction phase generated measurable social value for the surrounding Horwich community through local investment and educational outreach.
As documented by Joe Harrigan for The Bolton News, the physical build was managed by regional contractor Caddick Construction on behalf of Rivington Chase partners Be One Homes and Irwell Valley Homes. Throughout the build period, Caddick Construction implemented community-focused programs designed to leave a lasting legacy. These included supporting local school careers events, financing trade apprenticeships, donating to charitable organizations, and dedicating volunteer labor to restore local green spaces.
Summarizing the scope of community involvement, Dave Saville, Regional Managing Director of Caddick Construction North West, stated to reporter Joe Harrigan of The Bolton News:
"It has been a privilege to deliver the new affordable homes at Rivington Chase on behalf of our partners, Be One Homes and Irwell Valley Homes, knowing that they will provide a better quality of life and make a real difference for local people."
Saville detailed the specific social value metrics achieved during the scheme, adding in The Bolton News:
"Our team dedicated over 20 hours to volunteering, supported eight apprentices and donated over £2,400 to local charities, and it has been an honour to play our part in creating a lasting legacy for the town and the wider area."
The handover of this parcel of 116 homes marks an ongoing chapter in the multi-year transformation of the former Horwich Loco Works site, continuing Bolton's broader push toward delivering brownfield regeneration and expanding local affordable housing options.