Watson transforms derelict Pit Pony Inn site into 22 affordable homes in Wigan

Regeneration specialist Watson has unlocked the redevelopment of the former Pit Pony Inn site in Ashton-in-Makerfield, transforming a long-vacant brownfield site into a sustainable residential development that delivers 22 affordable homes and lasting social value for the local community.

The development has transformed the site of the former Pit Pony Inn, which had stood vacant since 2022, into a high-quality residential scheme providing much-needed affordable housing for local residents. The homes have been delivered for social rent, helping to address housing demand across the borough.

Located on Low Bank Road, the development comprises 19 one-bedroom apartments and three two-bedroom homes within a single, part two-storey and part three-storey building. The scheme also includes landscaped outdoor spaces, off-road parking and improved pedestrian and vehicle access.

The project reflects Watson’s commitment to regenerating underused sites and delivering affordable-first developments in partnership with housing associations and local authorities. By transforming brownfield land into sustainable communities, Watson continues to create long-term social value while helping to address the growing need for high-quality affordable housing across the North West.

Mike Watson, Director at Watson, said: “Projects like Pit Pony demonstrate the important role that brownfield regeneration can play in addressing housing need. Wigan Council’s Housing Strategy identifies a need for 972 new homes each year, and developments like this help meet that demand by bringing underused sites back into productive use and delivering high-quality affordable homes for local people.

“Working closely with Jigsaw Homes and Wigan Council, we have transformed a long-vacant site into a development that will deliver lasting benefits for the community. Affordable housing remains at the heart of our approach, and we are committed to creating long-term social value through regeneration, creating places that support local communities for future generations.”

Katie Marshall, Deputy Chief Executive and Group Director of Development at Jigsaw Homes, added: “These new homes will provide high-quality, affordable accommodation for local people in Ashton-in-Makerfield, helping more residents access secure housing in a well-connected community. By bringing a long-vacant site back into use, the development also demonstrates how underused land can be transformed to meet local housing need.”

The Pit Pony development further strengthens Watson’s reputation as one of the North West’s leading regeneration specialists, bringing challenging brownfield sites back into productive use through the delivery of high-quality affordable homes.

By working closely with housing associations and local authorities, Watson continues to create sustainable communities that address housing need, generate long-term social value and contribute to the region’s economic growth.