More affordable homes underway in Murdishaw
House hunters in Halton will have more affordable options to consider next year, after construction officially began on 12 new apartments in Murdishaw.
Onward recently broke ground on the new apartment building, comprising resident parking and electric vehicle charging, on the former site of Murdishaw Methodist Church off the Ridgeway, which has lain vacant for more than six years.
We are once more partnering with northwest housebuilder John Southworth to deliver its latest affordable housing scheme in Murdishaw. Earlier this year, the same partnership completed 30 affordable homes in Bury, in a mix of rental and shared ownership options.
Onward worked closely with Halton Borough Council on its proposals for the site, to ensure the right mix and layout of homes. Following this early consultation, 12 apartments will be contained within one three-storey block, with three 1-bed and nine 2-bed homes available.
The Ridgeway location is perhaps best known for the graffiti-style artwork that adorns fencing around the site. As part of our community engagement before submitting a planning application, we have committed to relocate this artwork elsewhere in Murdishaw.
Onward is one of the largest housing associations in the north west, owning and managing more than 35,000 homes across the region, including 555 in Murdishaw. Funding for these latest new homes is being delivered through Onward’s Strategic Partnership with Homes England, which will enable the housing association to build 5,000 new homes by 2030.
Stephen Heverin, Director of Regeneration and Growth at Onward, said:
“These new apartments reflect our ongoing commitment to improve the quality and choice of affordable housing in Murdishaw; both through investing in the homes we already manage and by creating new, modern homes that meet local demand.
“We’re pleased to be working with the John Southworth team once again. Their attention to detail and commitment to delivering social value has already made a real difference in our communities. We look forward to welcoming new customers to the Ridgeway next year.”
Steven Winterbottom, Technical Director at John Southworth said:
“We’re proud to be partnering with Onward Homes once again to bring much needed affordable homes to Murdishaw.
“Following the success of our project in Bury earlier this year, we’re excited to deliver another high-quality, sustainable development that will serve the community for years to come. Our team is committed not only to building homes, but also to creating spaces where people can feel proud to live, and we’re looking forward to seeing the transformation of this site into a vibrant new part of the neighbourhood.”
The traditionally built apartments are expected to complete in August 2026.