Construction on the landmark Watermills housing development in Blackburn is set to resume following a new partnership agreement between independent housebuilder Wain Homes and landowners Black Pearl Capital. The 450-home development, located on the former Sappi Paper Mill site in Livesey Branch Road, Feniscowles, had faced delays after the previous contractor, Bradford-based Torpoint (Civils) Ltd, entered administration in January 2023.
Under the new agreement, Wain Homes will take over construction and deliver the remainder of the development, including completing a key spine road between Moulden Brow and Livesey Branch Road. The project had already seen 17 homes occupied before work was paused, and it is now expected to restart this summer.
Black Pearl Capital secured planning consent for the transformation of the former paper mill site in 2015, with approval for up to 500 homes and four commercial premises. The first phase of development, comprising 95 properties, had already been underway before the temporary halt in construction.
Wain Homes is now preparing a detailed planning application for the next phase, which will supersede the existing permissions. The application will incorporate an updated Transport Assessment and detailed road design, ensuring the continued improvement of the local highway network as the project progresses. Subject to approval, construction is anticipated to begin later this year.
Abbas Jafarian, Chief Operating Officer of Black Pearl Capital, said:
"We are delighted to announce the collaboration with Wain Homes in expediting the completion of the Watermills vision. The shared commitment to delivering high-quality residential properties underscores the mutual dedication to meeting the growing demand for housing in the region."
Richard Chamberlain, Managing Director of Wain Homes North West, added:
"This has been a complex negotiation, and we are pleased to be at a point where we will shortly submit a detailed planning application for the next phase of homes, ranging from apartments to large four-bedroom family homes. We look forward to working closely with Black Pearl, the local authority, stakeholders, and residents to create a development that enhances the overall quality of life in Blackburn."
Local officials have welcomed the news, emphasizing the importance of completing the project and delivering much-needed housing and infrastructure improvements.
Cllr Paul Marrow, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Tory planning and growth spokesman, said:
"This is fantastic news. This estate has been a long time in limbo. The delay has been a concern to the residents. That it is now back on track and the long-awaited and crucial spine road will be built is great news."
Cllr Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, commented:
"As with all sites, it’s incredibly important to us to have a developer with really good local knowledge and a strong track record of delivering high-quality schemes. This new partnership between Black Pearl and Wain Homes is good news all around. We look forward to working closely with Black Pearl and Wain Homes on their plans for the site, including the important link road, over the coming months."
The Watermills development represents a significant investment in the region’s housing infrastructure, and this renewed momentum is expected to bring lasting benefits to the local community.