Watkin Jones acquires £48m St Helens homes

Working in partnership with Torus, the listed developer will deliver 295 properties on a 19.5-acre chunk of Harworth’s Moss Nook development.

Watkin Jones expects the 295-home transaction to generate £48m in revenue. The developer will deliver the scheme for Torus. The housing association said the homes – a mixture of two-, three-, and four-bed residences – will be available for affordable rent or shared ownership.

Alex Pease, chief executive of Watkin Jones, said: “Having supported Harworth Group in securing reserved matters planning permission in April 2024, we are delighted to continue our involvement with them and to have secured our first development partnership with Torus to deliver 295 homes, helping to address the growing demand for high-quality housing in the North West.

“By leveraging our leading expertise in the development and construction of residential real estate, this collaboration highlights our ability to transact in what continues to be a challenging market environment, whilst implementing our strategy of diversifying our sources of income.”

St Helens Council granted planning permission for the scheme, which is the third phase at the 95-acre Moss Nook, in April.

In total 900 homes will be delivered across the whole masterplan, with 258 already built during the first phase which was completed at the end of 2022.

Last year the developer secured permission for the second phase, covering a £3m sports facility on the 21-acre playing fields at Cromdale Grove Recreation Grounds.