New apartment block for young people at risk of homelessness given green light

The former home of Heaton’s Bakery in Wigan will make way for a new apartment block for young people at risk of homelessness.

The three-storey tower block will provide 38-homes at an affordable rate for people aged between 16 and 25 - who are deemed at risk of becoming homeless. Your Housing Group, who describe the Boundary Street site as a ‘Foyer facility’, run numerous other similar social housing developments.

The apartment block will allow young people to live independently, whilst being close enough to lines of support if needed.

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Just a short walk from the heart of the town centre, the property would provide communal and training space ‘to encourage social interaction and to deliver key training courses to the residents’, according to developers.

Plans include teaching and studio facilities, a training kitchen, a meeting space, breakout space, a laundry room, a residents lounge, an indoor and outdoor gym and recreational space outside.

“Foyers provide quality accommodation with support in accessing learning, training and employment opportunities for young people aged between 16-25,” a design and access statement explained.

“They provide opportunities for personal development and other services that enable young people to reconnect with learning, increase their employability, improve their health and wellbeing, and develop leadership potential.

“Staff are always on hand to provide young people with the best chance for them to thrive. YHG Currently has four Foyers across the North West in Wigan, Warrington, St Helens and Chester.

“The proposed new development will replace the current Foyer in Wigan town centre, which has provided a safe and