A former Barr’s soft drink factory site in Wigan will now be transformed into a £35.5 new housing development with building work on the new homes expected to start this month.

Housing regeneration specialist, Keepmoat, has bought the land and will deliver 194 two, three and four bedroom properties for sale. The new development will also deliver brand new public open space and two children’s play areas.

This is Keepmoat’s first new housing scheme in Wigan and the developer has confirmed plans to continue working closely with Wigan Council to look at ways to regenerate more areas in the region.

Gareth Roberts, regional managing director for Keepmoat in the North West, said: “We very much specialise in providing homes for the first time buyer market and so we’re excited to be bringing our offer to Wigan.

“More importantly – this major regeneration project will create employment and training opportunities throughout the build process so we can put back into the local economy.”

As part of the new housing development – which has been named Cottonfields – Keepmoat will also work with the Council, to ask local schools and colleges to help develop some public art which will be displayed on site.