Work is set to begin on a new public square and children’s park in Accrington.
Hyndburn council has given the green light to proposals by housing developer PlaceFirst to create two public spaces schemes as part of the ongoing £15.5m housing regeneration in Woodnook.
‘Woodnook Square’, a formal hard landscaped space flanked by new trees, will be built on the cleared Priestly Nook site off Nuttall Street. Bosses said the ‘flexible space’ can be used for a range of community events and will create an attractive ‘front door’ to Woodnook Community Centre.
A park will also be developed on Booth Street, where a row of dilapidated terraced houses once stood, and will be overlooked by new homes.
It will feature a young children’s play area, a private residents’ garden including barbecue facilities, and opportunities for local residents to grow their own plants and vegetables.
Both schemes were approved by council planning officers after no objections were received.
PlaceFirst said they now plan to start the works ‘in the next few weeks’.
A spokesperson said: “We are delighted by the decision to approve our plans for new public realm in Woodnook.
“We have worked really hard with the council to create an attractive housing offer in Woodnook, and the new square and community garden will complete our vision for the area.
“The new square will be located in the heart of Woodnook amongst local shops and the refurbished Woodnook Centre, and will give the area a physical and social heart.
“The new community garden will be framed by family housing and offer up much needed green space in an area of ‘back of footpath’ terraced housing. In addition to the two new spaces, we will also be improving the local street scene and resurfacing a number of rear alleys.”
The residential scheme in Woodnook is one of the largest of its kind in the UK, transforming 131 empty Victorian terraces.
PlaceFirst added: “We are nearing completion on the Phase 1 housing and demand for these homes has been really strong with families moving in within days of completion.
“Phase 2 is well underway and we are currently refurbishing over 20 homes across the wider Woodnook area.”
