L&Q takes over development of two schemes after contractor’s collapse

Work to be undertaken includes earthworks, public open space, drainage, roads and completion of the remaining properties.

Works have already started with the removal of 50,000 cubic metres of earth to provide the open space and a children’s play area.

The other development where construction halted is Weaver Meadows in Winsford. The scheme comprises 215 two to five-bedroom homes, 98 of which are currently occupied. The remaining 117 homes will now be delivered in-house by L&Q.

Works at Weaver Meadows are set to start this autumn. They will include site clearance and landscaping followed by rebuilding the remaining homes, as well as building roads and sewers. L&Q built a playground on the site this summer.

Adam Simpson, development and project management director at L&Q, said: “Our size and financial stability, as one of the few housing associations with an in-house construction arm, have allowed us to step in and take over works at Earlsbrook and Weaver Meadows.

“Our sector has been faced with many challenges lately, including recent supply chain failures, but we are very pleased to be able to deliver on our commitment to residents and the local communities.”

Thelwall-based Lane End had been developing schemes with a string of housing associations including L&Q, Jigsaw Homes and Onward, when it announced its collapse last year.

Lane End was on site on a 118-home scheme in Helsby with Laurus Homes, a development arm of L&Q that is based in the North West, and a 205-home development in Winsford with Jigsaw.

In July this year, L&Q confirmed the sale of its strategic land business for a figure believed to be in the region of £200m. Urban & Civic was named as the buyer of L&Q Estates in the deal.