Affordable housing plans progress on Lancaster's Canal Quarter

Plans for much-needed new affordable housing in Lancaster have taken a step forward.

As part of the wider regeneration of the Canal Quarter, Lancaster City Council has issued a formal invitation to participate in the procurement process to secure a development partner for the Coopers Fields site.

Currently occupied by the St Leonards Gate car parks, the site has long been identified for housing in the adopted Canal Quarter masterplan to deliver high quality, affordable homes.

The Coopers Fields scheme is expected to deliver at least 130 affordable homes and proposals will be expected to meet high standards of design and environmental performance.

Councillor Caroline Jackson, leader of Lancaster City Council, said: "We are currently refreshing our Council Plan; increasing the supply of affordable housing is agreed to be a top priority.

"The regeneration of the Canal Quarter provides us with the opportunity to create affordable housing in a highly sustainable area, close to public transport, local businesses and community services.

“The Coopers Fields site was once a thriving housing area for Lancaster working people and has been identified for housing for many years through the Canal Quarter masterplan. Moving to the next stage of procurement is about turning that long standing ambition into delivery.

"The regeneration of this area through much-needed housing will bring short term benefits during construction as well as longer term benefits to business and community for many years to come."

The council expects its preferred partner and scheme to be announced towards the end of 2026. Detailed scheme development and planning will then be undertaken through 2027.

While a practical date start is some way off, the council recognises that the site is currently used for car parking and that the planned future changes are a concern for some residents and businesses.

To mitigate this anticipated loss of parking, the council’s Lancaster City Centre Parking Strategy sets out how sufficient strategic car and coach parking spaces will be maintained to support the local economy and accessibility needs.

In recent months, several steps have already been taken towards maintaining and improving parking provision.

This has included the opening of additional evening and weekend parking at Moor Mills, extended later evening opening at St Nicholas Arcades car park, and the planning approval of temporary private sector parking within the Canal Quarter which is being delivered and run by developer Axis RE:.

Discussions are also well advanced with the Department of Work and Pensions to bring the Castle car park back into use. Further temporary and permanent parking schemes are also in the pipeline.

The council recognises that having a good and sustainable level of car parking in the city is vitally important to support the economy, provide a range and choice of transport options, and to ensure accessibility for the less mobile and those underserved by public transport.

These measures will ensure a managed transition so sufficient car parking capacity in the city centre can be maintained.