Work begins on new housing estate on site of former Darwen school

Wednesday, 17 July 2024 15:43

By Bill Jacobs - LDRS

WORK has started on a controversial new housing estate on the site of a former Darwen school.

Bovis Homes, part of the Vistry Group, has announced the beginning of building at Holden Fold, earmarked for 477 new homes.

The groundwork is underway for the first 109 properties on the 45-acre site of the former Darwen Moorland High School which have been dubbed Collingwood Park.

The development has been deeply controversial with local residents and Conservative councillors complaining local roads were unfit to cope with the increase in traffic and there were insufficient school places nearby.

The housebuilder has released images of the new homes on Collingwood Park which it plans to release for sale in early 2025.

The new houses will be a collection of two, three and four bedroom properties.

Collingwood Park is Bovis’ second collection of homes to be built on a controversial site in the area, following the launch of Sunnybower Meadow on Whalley Old Road, Blackburn, earlier this year.

The firm is to contribute towards a substantial £3.4m investment in the education, highway works and healthcare around the Holden Fold site as part of its Section 106 agreement with Blackburn with Darwen Council.

Gemma Hardy, managing director of Vistry Merseyside and Cheshire West, said: “We’re pleased to be bringing this major development to life, with work now underway at Collingwood Park.

“It’s exciting to be expanding our presence in the area and providing homeowners with a variety of options to suit their needs.

“A range of buying schemes will be available to support potential buyers.”