Work starts on final phase of Blackpool’s flagship housing scheme, designed by Cassidy + Ashton

The project, delivered in partnership with Blackpool Council, is designed by Cassidy + Ashton, and is being constructed by Tyson Construction. It is part funded by Homes England will deliver the final phase of 88 new homes, with completion due in 2025.

Work has been ongoing at Foxhall Village since the original masterplan for a new neighbourhood was prepared in 2012. On the final West site phase, Blackpool Council and Great Places have worked in partnership to enable the completion of the remaining residential phase of Foxhall Village West after the original developers went into administration in 2019.

Cassidy + Ashton worked alongside Great Places Housing Association to rejuvenate the existing scheme, with a proposal to deliver affordable homes and make an effective use of the land. The new project is key in concluding the flagship housing project at Foxhall Village.

The group officiating the start of work included the Chief Executive Officer of Homes England, Peter Denton and Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Councillor Lynn Williams joined Matthew Harrison, Chief Executive at Great Places on a tour of the site.

Commenting on the achievement of getting Foxhall Village West onto site, Helen Spencer, Executive Director of Growth at Great Places, said: “Foxhall Village is one of the projects that we’re most proud to have been involved with over the past decade. This will not only secure the completion of the West site, but also provide an additional 88 much-needed affordable homes in the local area.

“As long-term owners and investors in Foxhall Village, we were committed to working with the council and other local stakeholders to find a solution for this complex and difficult site, while maximising the impact of our investment. It’s brilliant to achieve that and evidence our commitment to ensuring the long-term success of Foxhall Village as a thriving local community.

“The complexities of getting the project to this stage have been extremely challenging and show what can be achieved through the power of partnerships. We would like to acknowledge the support of the council, Homes England and our construction team in developing these proposals to complete the final phase of the West site.”

Cassidy + Ashton’s planning team helped conclude open planning applications and acquire the necessary new permissions with a refreshed design and proposal to include a landscaped corridor with a mix of two, three and four bed homes and a corner feature apartment building containing three apartments.

Architect, Dominic Read-Garrett, from Cassidy + Ashton, said: “It is a credit to all parties involved that this dormant site is finally able to move forward. The hard work has paid off and construction can now start as we continue to work in partnership with Great Places, Blackpool Council and Tyson Construction to deliver this much-needed high quality affordable housing.

“The completion of the Foxhall Village West site will be a huge achievement to all involved and we are proud to have played an integral part in the process by providing architectural and town planning expertise.”

Cllr Mark Smith, Blackpool Council Cabinet Member for Levelling Up – Place, added: “It is fantastic to see work commence on the final phase of Foxhall Village’s West site development.

“The council has always been determined to see this phase completed and provide a significant number of affordable homes for many people.

“Our close working relationship and partnership with Great Places has helped deliver a really positive outcome for the progression of this Blackpool flagship housing scheme.

“We are much looking forward to welcoming and seeing people enjoy their new homes in the future.”

Work is due to be completed in August 2025 with the first handovers from late 2024.