‘It’s the perfect home’: new Quin Street homes officially opened in Leyland

More than 40 council officers, elected members, Leyland Town Deal Board members and project partners gathered at Quin Street on Friday November 6 to officially mark the completion of the new council-owned and managed homes, and meet residents. Paul Foster, MP for South Ribble, was also in attendance.

The Quin Street development has transformed the site of two former derelict mills into a new residential community just a short walk from Leyland town centre.

The scheme includes six four-bedroom houses, 10 three-bedroom homes and six one-bedroom apartments, all owned and managed by South Ribble Borough Council.

The homes were constructed by Lancashire-based Tyson Construction, with architectural design by South Ribble-based Wilson Mason Architects.

A parent of four children, who was the first resident to confirm their acceptance of one of the new homes and moved into a four-bedroom property in October, said the family had quickly settled into their new surroundings.

They said: “The whole family is in love with the house and we feel so lucky. It’s the perfect home. We love the open-plan space downstairs, and my 14-year-old is especially excited to be on the third floor. We’ve got nice neighbours too.

“I lived in Leyland before but wasn’t this close to the centre. It’s great to be so close to everything and we can’t wait for the new market to open.”

The development also includes 35 parking spaces, electric vehicle charging facilities and cycle parking. A new footbridge over Bannister Brook, named Iddons Bridge in recognition of the former Iddon Brothers engineering factory which occupied the site, is expected to open before Christmas, improving pedestrian connections to the surrounding area.

Charles Hadcock, chair of the Leyland Town Deal Board, said: “Today has been a real celebration and it has been fantastic to bring together so many of the people involved in delivering such a high-quality project.

“I’ve really enjoyed speaking to the new residents, who all seem thrilled with their homes. There has been huge demand and, when you see the quality of the design and craftsmanship, it’s easy to understand why.

“Quin Street shows that we can build quality homes and make them affordable. They are a nod to the past, good for the present and fit for the future.

“One thing residents have repeatedly commented on is how convenient it is to be so close to the town centre. Getting more people living in our towns and cities is an important part of revitalising our centres, supporting shops and businesses.

“We have a very strong Town Deal Board, made up of volunteers, and we’re all incredibly proud of what has been achieved here. We’re now looking forward to seeing the remaining parts of the programme completed in 2027.”

Cllr Matthew Tomlinson, Labour leader of South Ribble Borough Council, said: “Officially opening the new homes at Quin Street is a proud moment for council members and officers, the Town Deal Board and everybody involved in delivering the development.

“It has also been a great opportunity to meet some of the new residents. The people I spoke to were delighted with their homes and particularly complimentary about the quality of the design and construction.

“At a time when finding an affordable home is a challenge for many families, this development demonstrates that affordability doesn't have to come at the expense of quality. These homes are owned and managed by South Ribble Borough Council, giving residents the security to put down roots and really make their house a home.

“This whole area was previously occupied by two derelict mills. Through the ambition of the council and the Town Deal Board, it is being transformed into a new part of Leyland town centre.

“Seeing families living here is significant. Bringing more people into the heart of Leyland will support local businesses, help create a more vibrant town centre and complement the major investment taking place in the market, commercial buildings and public spaces.”

Quin Street is one of three major elements of the Leyland Town Deal regeneration programme.

Work is continuing on the new Leyland Market and commercial buildings, including new public spaces at Market Square and Balfour Square, while Hough Lane will also benefit from a comprehensive programme of improvements including new paving and surfacing, lighting, seating, cycle parking, crossings and landscaping.

Philip Helm, business development director at Tyson Construction Ltd said: “Quin Street is a charming development. Walk down the street and you can see how the new homes sit comfortably alongside their neighbours, with trees planted along the footways and a new footbridge over Bannister Brook connecting two parts of Leyland. The quality of the paving and other finishes makes a real difference to the character of the area.

“Projects like Quin Street matter to Tyson because we get to build affordable homes close to home and work with local firms, supporting jobs and skills in the area.

“Even before the first residents got their keys, the project was making a positive difference in Leyland. We gave a local resident a full-time job after he completed his bricklaying course at Preston College, built a great relationship with a local school and committed £5,000 to local community groups.”

The wider programme represents an investment of around £34 million, including £25 million secured through the government’s Towns Fund and additional investment from South Ribble Borough Council.

The remaining major works are due to be completed in autumn 2027.