In a significant initiative aimed at revitalising the heart of Wigan, the Archdiocese of Liverpool has teamed up once again with Housing People, Building Communities (HPBC), a leading charity dedicated to addressing the housing crisis through innovative community housebuilding. The project involves the transformation of the vacant St William’s church and presbytery, which have stood empty since 2017, into a vibrant community of affordable homes.

St. William’s Church, a beautiful early twentieth-century red brick lancet Gothic-style church built in 1911, holds historical significance for the Ince community. With the support of the Archdiocese of Liverpool, HPBC plans to convert this landmark into 10 two and three-bedroom houses/apartments, preserving its architectural charm while providing much-needed housing solutions.

This collaboration marks the third time the Archdiocese of Liverpool has donated a church building to HPBC, with St. Bernard’s Church in Toxteth being another successful transformation under this partnership.

One of the key innovations of this project is HPBC's 'sweat equity' model, allowing aspiring homeowners, referred to as Home Partners, to actively contribute to the construction process. By dedicating 500 hours of their time, Home Partners can reduce their deposit by up to £10,000, making homeownership accessible to a wider range of residents.

Councillor Susan Gambles, cabinet portfolio holder for housing and welfare at Wigan Council, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative: “This project is right in the heart of the community and is providing a fabulous opportunity for local people to help build their own home and fulfil the dream of getting on the housing ladder. This has been made possible through the support and vision of HPBC, their collaboration with Prima Housing Group, and the generosity of the Archdiocese of Liverpool.”

HPBC Chief Executive Liza Parry highlighted the project’s significance: “The launch of St William’s is a milestone for Wigan, offering a development that we hope will make a real difference to local people and serve as a blueprint for the future. We are actively seeking Home Partners who want to call the church their home.”

The homes, designed to integrate seamlessly with the church's existing architecture, are expected to be completed by February 2025. This collaboration between HPBC, Prima Housing Group, and the Archdiocese of Liverpool exemplifies a shared commitment to creating sustainable solutions for the housing crisis while preserving historical landmarks and fostering a sense of community.