Construction works are well underway and progressing with pace at our ‘Hazlehurst’ development – a new 100-home independent living scheme, in partnership with leading regeneration specialists Vistry Partnerships North West.

Hazlehurst will consist of four one-bedroom apartments, 52 two-bedroom apartments for Affordable Rent and 44 two-bedroom apartments for Shared Ownership.

Using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) - a process which focuses on off-site construction techniques, such as mass production and factory assembly, as alternatives to traditional building - the construction work, which began in September last year has now reached the latest milestone where the structural frame including all floors and stairs is complete. The brick façade, windows and roofing are well in progress and the building is now watertight, with pitched and flat roofing works progressing well.

The internal fit-out has commenced including mechanical, plumbing and electrical works, along with plaster boarding. The door sets, kitchens and shower rooms installation will commence in late September/early October.

With the works on course for the planned completion in the Summer of 2022 the pandemic sadly poured water on the usual ground-breaking start of works event.  So, Halton Housing and Vistry Partnerships celebrated the ‘topping out’ of the building, in which senior leaders and representatives from partners on the project gathered on site to mark the development milestone.

Paul Mullane, Halton Housing’s Director of Development and Growth says: “I’m particularly delighted to celebrate the progress of Hazlehurst thus far, given the last year and the potential for the pandemic to have delayed progress beyond what it has. Hazlehurst will provide much-needed affordable homes for those in later life in Runcorn and will contribute to the already thriving community in Sandymoor.”

‘Hazlehurst’ will be our largest independent living scheme to date following the success of Barkla Fields and Naughton Fields schemes in Widnes.   

Including one- and two-bedroom apartments, the specialist accommodation, located on Actons Wood Lane in the Sandymoor area of Runcorn, will feature a range of contemporary facilities including a bistro and multi-function room. The design of the scheme ensures it remains distinctive but with a real sense of a vibrant, safe and cohesive community. 

Speaking at the event, Vistry Partnerships’ Managing Director for the North West, Ian Hilliker, commented: “It is fantastic that we can all gather to celebrate the latest milestone at our transformational Sandymoor scheme. I would personally like to thank all of our partners for their help getting Hazlehurst to this stage, and I hope to welcome you back in the not-too-distant future to celebrate the opening of the facility.”

As the largest social landlord in Halton, we have responded to the demand for quality, affordable housing for older people in the borough which is expected to grow by 10,000.  

The scheme has been named “Hazlehurst” after local businessman Thomas Hazlehurst who founded soap and alkali manufacturing company, Hazlehurst & Sons in 1816. 

Sales of shared ownership apartments will be managed by Open Door, our commercial subsidiary.

Find out more about Hazlehurst.