Artists impressions have revealed what a new 38-home affordable housing development in Wigan could look like. This three storey ‘Foyer facility’ - accommodation for young people between 16 and 25 at risk of homelessness - would replace the former home of Heatons Bakery off Boundary Street.
Just a short walk from the heart of the town centre, the apartment building would provide communal and training space ‘to encourage social interaction and to deliver key training courses to the residents’, according to developers. Your Housing Group, who run numerous other social housing developments like this, said this would allow young people to live independently whilst being close enough to lines of support if needed.
Plans include teaching and studio facilities, a training kitchen, a meeting space, breakout space, a laundry room, a residents lounge, an indoor and outdoor gym and recreational space outside.
“Foyers provide quality accommodation with support in accessing learning, training and employment opportunities for young people aged between 16-25,” a design and access statement explained. “They provide opportunities for personal development and other services that enable young people to reconnect with learning, increase their employability, improve their health and wellbeing, and develop leadership potential.
“Staff are always on hand to provide young people with the best chance for them to thrive. YHG Currently has four Foyers across the North West in Wigan, Warrington, St Helens and Chester.
“The proposed new development will replace the current Foyer in Wigan town centre, which has provided a safe and inspiring place to live and learn for more than 500 young people over 20 years. As there is growing need this new development will help us to elevate the Foyer's future.”
Your Housing Group highlighted that early consultations with neighbours have received a ‘positive response’. Their planning statement claimed one neighbour was ‘very supportive’ and had ‘personal interest’ in the proposals.
An application for full planning permission has been received by Wigan Council but no decision has been made.
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