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Partnership working delivers 2.7m scheme in West Lancashire to combat homelessness

Vulnerable young people and adults will benefit from 24 new apartments in Skelmersdale, as a £2.7m supported living housing development is completed.

The Birchwood West Lancs Foyer will provide much-needed short-stay homes for young people and adults with complex needs who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness.

Residents will also benefit from professional support with health and wellbeing, alongside help to develop skills so they can get back into work and life skills to assist them when moving on to more permanent homes.

The project was delivered by BTP Architects, and Calico Homes, and was partially funded by Homes England. The Birchwood Centre, who provide a range of services for adults and young people, to prevent homelessness, reduce social isolation and improve mental health and well-being, will then take over the running of the building and services.  

Located in Birch Green, the new three storey facility has been built on a former carpark, with the land made available by West Lancashire Borough Council as part of their commitment to support communities where they need it most.

Although planning had been previously approved, the site had remained unused for several years and the design required redefining to ensure the new foyer building was fit for purpose.

Award winning BTP Architects carefully redesigned the scheme to provide a new contemporary elevation, including PV solar panels on the roof, to ensure the building would be low maintenance, energy efficient and sustainable.

Burnley-based Ring Stones Maintenance and Construction (part of the Calico Group) was the lead contractor on the project and completed the build ahead of schedule and within budget.

The ground floor of the Foyer will also provide a new headquarters for The Birchwood Centre, and will be used to provide support, training, and outreach work for residents as well as the wider community.

Manuel Atkinson, Director of BTP Architects said:

“We are extremely proud to have worked on this project. Through partnership working, we have delivered an outstanding, sustainable development that will serve the community for years to come.

“After some construction challenges, the finished development of the Birchwood Centre looks absolutely fantastic. I’d especially like to thank the team at Ring Stones Maintenance and Construction for their collaborative working.”

Wendy Malone, Assistant Director of Development & Growth at Calico Homes added:

“We are delighted to see the completion of this much needed facility which provides high quality, sustainable homes for those most in need. This is a landmark development for the area, which will give vulnerable young people and adults the opportunity to make foundations for their lives, whilst providing excellent shared services for the community at large.”

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