Partners involved in developing the new supported living scheme ‘Crow Wood Gardens’ on Crow Wood Lane, gathered at the site in Widnes last week, to see first hand how the build is progressing. The scheme will provide much-needed, high-quality homes for adults with additional needs related to disabilities or health conditions. 

The development will comprise 10 one-bedroom apartments and 3 two-bedroom bungalows, all designed as supported living accommodation with care and support services arranged by HBC and delivered on-site. Residents will benefit from a range of modern amenities, including 13 car parking spaces - featuring covered car ports for the bungalows, electric vehicle charging stations, a cycle store, and a dedicated motorcycle space. 

This will be Halton Housing’s second gas-free development powered by heat pumps, following Mercia Place on High Street in Runcorn, demonstrating a continued commitment to sustainability and innovation. Crow Wood Gardens is also Halton Housing's first scheme to include purpose-built bungalows and own front door accommodation on the same site, being delivered as one service. Supported living schemes like this enable people to live independently for longer, whilst meeting their specific needs, signalling HH’s commitment to deliver on the priorities set out within Halton Borough Council’s recently published draft housing strategy, A Housing Strategy for Halton 2026-31. 

Councillor Phil Harris (pictured far left), portfolio holder for Housing Strategy who also attended the site visit says, “Evidence shows we need to expand the specialist housing offer in Widnes & Runcorn to meet the needs of adults with learning disabilities and other groups, providing choice and dignity for people to live independently as they age. This development at Crow Wood Lane, and its brilliant location with proximity to local related services, is just what we need to see more of in the future.” 

The supported living scheme is being delivered in partnership with Halton Borough Council (HBC) and contractor AKM Homes with the support of consultants Markhams Building Cost Management, acting as Employers Agent and Clerk of Works, and Wilkinson Cowan Partnership Ltd. as Principal Designer. 

Work began on site in July on land which has been vacant for some time and is ideally located close to NHS services such as the Bridges Learning Centre and Woodview Child Development Centre, as well as St Patrick’s Care Home and Brookfields School. 

This is AKM Homes’ second development with Halton Housing, following the award-winning Sewell Street project, which received the LABC regional award. Andy Walker of AKM Homes (pictured second from right) said, “AKM Homes is immensely proud to have been appointed as Principal Contractor for the project. We are very much looking forward to working alongside our clients Halton Housing to deliver much needed high quality, energy efficient supported living housing which will make a real difference to people’s lives within the borough”. 

Paul Mullane, Halton Housing’s Director of Development and Sales (pictured third from right) said: “We’re proud to be working with Halton Borough Council, Homes England and AKM Homes on this vital supported living development in Widnes. Crow Wood Gardens represents our ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable homes that meet the diverse needs of our community. We’re creating a space where residents can live independently with the right support in place, and we’re excited to see the positive impact this scheme will have.” 

The scheme has secured £1.4m grant funding from Homes England, in addition to a £250k grant from Halton Borough Council, and is due for completion in September 2026.