Torus completes developments in Newton-le-Willows and Thatto Heath

Torus has launched two new build sites with Homes England, St Helens Borough Council and contractor, HMS.

The completion of Grange Park in Thatto Heath saw 30 homes built and £4.9 million invested in completely regenerating the site following the demolition of seven outdated and inefficient apartment blocks at Springfield Road.

The Grange Park development at Springfield Road (Image: Torus)

Meanwhile, Railway Court has seen Torus invest £1.7 million into completely redeveloping the former site of the Railway Inn to create 15 new apartments at the heart of Earlestown.

Homes England invested £1.6 million into the schemes.

Torus Developments’ managing director, Chris Bowen, said: “To see two sites complete and ready to welcome residents is a fantastic achievement and something I am proud to be a part of.

"Both schemes represent a commitment from Torus, Homes England and St Helens Borough Council in not only improving access to affordable new homes and bolstering the rental market, but in listening to local communities about the type of development needed.

“St Helens continues to be one of the primary areas we invest in, and Grange Park and Railway Court mark the beginning of a big year for Torus in the Borough following the acquisition of Pilkingtons Phase 1 at Cowley Hill, the starts on site at Lancots Lane and Corporation Street, and the first properties completing at Elephant Lane.

"We’ve also got the stunning refurbishment of the old Newton Hospital reaching completion. With 976 new homes committed or on site, and plans for major regeneration taking shape, St Helens is a key priority for Torus’ new build plans.”

Railway Court (Image: Torus)

Kate Collins, senior manager - provider manager from Homes England, added: “As the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, increasing the supply of quality affordable homes remains one of our key objectives and we are committed to supporting ambitious housebuilders of all sizes to build those homes and communities. As a Homes England Strategic Partner, Torus has committed to delivering new affordable homes via the Affordable Homes Programme 2021-26.

"Investment at Grange Park and Railway Court has transformed both sites and provided much needed, good quality affordable new homes in St Helens. At Homes England we are committed to supporting our partners to increase the supply of good quality affordable new homes that the people of St Helens can be proud of.”

Torus, Homes England, HMS and St Helens Council representatives and councillors at Railway Court (Image: Torus)

Councillor Richard McCauley, St Helens Borough Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and planning, said: “Quality homes should be accessible to everyone regardless of their budget, so it's great to see these new schemes brought to completion as we continue to work in partnership with Torus to fight against the housing crisis by creating affordable homes for our residents."

Representatives at the Grange Park development site (Image: Torus)

Meanwhile, construction director at HMS – the contractor responsible for delivering both Grange Park and Railway Court – John Barrow, added: “It’s been a busy couple of months for HMS, especially around the St Helens area, and these latest schemes take the number of homes we have handed over to Torus up to 250 – all since January.

"The team has worked incredibly hard on both Grange Park and Railway Court to create developments that both future residents and the wider community can be proud of so it’s brilliant to see both developments completed.”