Eric Wright wins Lancaster affordable housing scheme tender

Preston-based Eric Wright Construction has been selected by Lancaster City Council as the main contractor to deliver a new affordable housing scheme.

The Coopers Fields scheme is an early phase of the city's Canal Quarter regeneration that will contribute towards making Lancaster City Council an organisation that is carbon neutral by 2030.

The development will prioritise sustainable urban living by maximising renewable energy opportunities and looking to reduce the impact of the construction process by minimising elements of embodied carbon where possible.

Coopers Fields is a 0.9 hectare development site located within the Canal Quarter in Lancaster City Centre consisting of Upper and lower St Leonardgate council owned surface car parks.

This is a key proposal and will support the delivery of around 139 new affordable homes within the district.

Eric Wright won the competitive tender which was publicly run through the North West Construction Hub high value framework for projects over £25m.

Phil Brown, commercial director at Eric Wright Construction, said: “Following our appointment on to the North West Construction Hub’s high value framework, we’re pleased to have been appointed on this major affordable housing scheme in Lancaster and provide much needed homes for the people of Lancaster.

"We have a long-standing relationship with the area, having delivered the Caton Court project and the Luneside student accommodation project and look forward to utilising our knowledge of green buildings and passivhaus principles developed on previous schemes to deliver a highly sustainable project.”

The Coopers Field project is led by the council’s housing team with Anderton Gables acting as its retained consultant project manager and PRP as its architect for the scheme.

Coun Caroline Jackson, deputy leader of Lancaster City Council and cabinet member with responsibility for housing, said: “A key ambition of the Canal Quarter Masterplan is to breathe new life into this area of Lancaster by providing local people and families with much-needed affordable housing.

"The council has appointed Eric Wright under Pre-Construction Services Agreement to collaborate with the design team under early contractor engagement protocols, taking a major step forward in making the ambitious housing vision a reality.”