September 2023 update - Phase 1, Skerton High School Site, and the Masterplan
As you know, plans have been in development for some time to help develop a fantastic new community through the MyMainway project. Read on for the latest progress update:
Lune and Derby House
As discussed previously, we developed a plan to fully refurbish these two blocks to create modern, energy efficient, well-designed homes. Over time, however, it became obvious that the cost of works for these properties was unaffordable to the Council. As a result, these homes will no longer be Council-owned. The refurbishment, however, will go ahead and be delivered by private developers who will ensure that the completed blocks remain complementary to the ambitions of the Mainway masterplan, meeting our objectives for affordable, rented housing that align with our goals for sustainable energy efficiency.
The Mainway Masterplan: Phase 1
We have previously discussed our plans to purchase the site of Skerton High School. This purchase is now complete and we aim to deliver around 140 affordable, social-rented new homes on the school site which will be owned and let by Lancaster City Council.
Current plans for the derelict site include:
- A new access road to the site from Owen Road
- Three new blocks of energy efficient flats, all making use of the excellent views
- Indoor community space and facilities on the ground floor of one of the blocks
- Three rows of houses, sited on “playable” or pedestrian-friendly streets
- Retention of the playing fields and cherry trees
- Creation of a children’s play park
- Routes into - and through - the estate, forming links between Ryelands Park and the riverside
Future phases of the Masterplan
The Mainway Estate will not just be Council owned, but a mix of tenures including private rent, shared ownership, and those which are owned and managed by an alternative housing provider. Our aim is to provide over 400 homes in total, comprising of, as a minimum, the current number of Council homes (257), combined with additional homes of other tenure types.
Our Next Steps Are:
- Contractors are starting preparatory works on the school site before demolition of the school buildings goes ahead.
- An online information event for the whole community – Mainway residents and beyond – will take place to discuss the demolition of the school.
- Later this year – autumn/winter – we will be seeking to get planning permission for our Phase 1 development. WE will share details o fthis nearer the time and will be keen to hear your view
- Once planning is achieved, we will be asking the Council’s Cabinet to approve our plans, allowing us to proceed with the development.
If you have any questions or comments in the meantime, please get in touch:
Email: mymainway@lancaster.gov.uk
Tel: 01524 582929
In person: at the Mainway Hub, on Owen Road, open Mon, Tues and Thurs, 10am - 4pm
