Major housing scheme unveiled

A SALES brochure has been produced for one the biggest housing sites in Warrington – together with a requirement that half of it must comprise affordable housing.
English Partnerships has published the brochure for the 21-acre site of the former police training centre at Bruche.
The target audience consists of prospective developers who would be expected to complete a quality development of around 300 dwellings – 50 per cent of which would have to satisfy English Partnerships requirements for affordable homes.
A development brief is currently in the process of being prepared and would be developers are expected to express an initial interest by the end of May. Closing date for final submissions will be in early August.
English Partnerships say developers are being sought via a competitive procurement process and the successful developer will need to demonstrate innovation and creativity.
The police training centre closed about 18 months ago, although it is still used for certain operations. It is well placed for public transport, being close to bus routes and only 800m from Padgate railway station.
When it opened in 1954, it was Britain’s first police training centre. Previous to that the site had been used by Canadian troops during the war.
Coun Colin Froggatt (pictured) who represents the area on the borough council, said: ” I am pleased that initial information regarding the development of the former police training camp is now in the public domain.
“However as anyone involved in planning and development issues knows, the devil is in the detail. I will be keeping a close eye on how the scheme evolves in order that any proposals fit in with local community needs and aspirations, particularly with regard to open space, community facilities and the nature of the properties proposed.This will involve close consultation with the public, which I will ensure happens.”