Discover the Wigan Kellen Homes Wellington Drive Development, its features, updates, and why it’s a top choice for modern living.
Imagine this: One Saturday afternoon I was driving through the suburbs of Wigan in northern England. The sky, as far north as you can see in spring, was a beautiful light gray and my eye caught a sign that said “Wellington Drive – Future Homes by Kellen Holmes”. I was immediately curious. Why here? What is being built? Who is it for and how will it shape the lives of those of us who are always looking for “the next great place” to call home? That drive started my little quest to understand the ‘Wigan Kellen Homes Wellington Drive Development’ – from budget and community impact to how the developer is run, what future residents can expect and how it all fits into local life.
If you’re considering buying, investing, or just interested in how new neighborhoods are built, keep in touch with me. I want to pull all the pieces together , and share some personal thoughts along the way.
What You'll Discover:
What is Wellington Drive Development?
To put it simply, the project referred to by the term “Wigan Kellen Homes Wellington Drive Development” is a large-scale residential development by Kellen Homes on land off Wellington Drive in the Moseley Common area of Wigan. It is an ambitious plan that focuses on providing housing, community infrastructure, green spaces and transport links.
Here are the key facts:
The site is described as “Off Wellington Drive, Mossley Common, Wigan” (north of the guided busway) which will eventually be linked to future transport infrastructure.
An outline application seeks to deliver approximately 1,044 homes across the wider allotment area (of which Kellen Homes has a share of approximately 800 homes) in partnership with landowner Peel L&P and registered provider Great Places Housing Group.
The first phase consists of 150 homes on an approximately 52-acre site. All the first homes are fully affordable homes (119 socially rented + 31 shared ownership), consisting of 46 two-bed, 90 three-bed and 14 four-bed homes.
Planning permission for that phase has been granted by Wigan Council Planning Committee.
The wider ambition includes green infrastructure (linear parks, pocket parks), better transport links, cycle routes and improved connectivity.
So you can see it’s not just “a handful of houses”. This is the establishment of a full-fledged neighbourhood, with more employees, sustainability ambitions and community thinking from the start.
Why it’s important – and why I became interested
You may ask: Why am I so concerned about this? Well, two reasons.
A: I am someone who has moved house several times (job change, family reasons, hunting for good value). So when I pass a growth sign like this, the question arises, “Could it be the same?” I start mentally exploring: commute, green space for kids, resale value, community feel.
Two: Because I live near (or at least have been near) similar large-scale developments, I’ve seen how they affect local infrastructure, traffic, schools, and yes – even my morning coffee. And the personal proximity gives me a little more sympathy for the residents, the municipal council, even the developer.
This particular project resonates because:
This is in Wigan, which historically had more affordable housing than larger towns in the south, but is now seeing greater demand.
The developer (Kellen Homes) not only builds open market housing, but also builds a large proportion of affordable housing – which means something in today’s housing climate.
This is a multi-phase plan, so the impact will last for years , giving us (and the community) time to watch and decide.
So I switched from “Oh, interesting hint” to full research mode. And what I found is worth sharing.
A closer look at the developer: Kellen Holmes
When I think of a new development, I always ask: who is behind it? Because big plans still need good execution. This is what I found about Kellen Holmes:
Their website says, “Kellen Homes builds beautiful, energy-efficient new homes for people who value quality and style… We create welcoming communities and neighborhoods.”
They emphasize “shop with us” support: deposit matching (5% deposit matching), assisted transfer schemes, green mortgages.
On the specific Moseley Common site , which is the wider area within which the Warren Drive land falls , they note: 800 homes will be built as part of 1,044 planned allotments for the area, with “over 365 of these to be affordable housing through shared ownership or social rent”.
So far, in terms of reputation: According to their website, they have achieved the “Gold Award” for customer satisfaction three years in a row.
From my perspective: Everything is good. This shows that they don’t just sell houses, but also have ambitions for quality, community and supporting buyers. Of course – you always keep in mind that “building on paper” is different from “living in the neighborhood after five years”.
How does the development fit into Wigan’s wider plans?
For local people and those considering moving there, it is important to know how it fits into the bigger picture of Wigan’s housing and infrastructure strategy.
The allocation of 1,044 homes through the Mossley Common master plan is part of the development of the area. A separate planning document proposes that transport connections, green corridors and neighborhood infrastructure be included.
For example, the 150-home phase is linked to commitments such as: a £900,000 contribution to junction improvement works on the A580; Investment in schools , £4.5m for St John’s Primary School, £2.4m for secondary school places in Tyldesley, Leigh and Atherton.
Guided bus routes, cycle routes and a linear park are all elements of the plan. This means that the area is more than just “houses on a piece of land” – it promises infrastructure.
From my perspective: It is positive to see that infrastructure is being linked to planning. Green open spaces and transport connections play a decisive role in the quality of life. If I were to shop there, I would ask: When does the bus stop actually open? Which schools will serve the area? What stores and services will be available?
What is offered: houses, tenancies and floor plans
One of the questions I asked when I passed that sign was, “Okay, so what kind of house are they building? For who? With what specs?” The details I have gathered are given below:
Durability and numbers
The first phase of 150 homes are all affordable housing. That means 119 homes for social rental, and 31 for shared ownership.
Within the 150: 46 two-bed houses, 90 three-bed houses, 14 four-bed houses.
Comprehensive master plan: up to 1,044 homes, of which Kellen has a share of approx. 800. Of the wider figure, “more than 365 homes will be affordable” under shared ownership or social rent.
Layout and infrastructure
Because the site spans 52 acres (for a 150-home phase) it includes: an avenue, a waterfront pocket, a linear park that runs from north to south through the site.
Vehicular access via Wellington Drive, internal access roads and car parks are part of the planning details.
Homes in the first phase will meet new building regulations including full wheelchair access.
My comments
As I walked around the area, I noticed a few things:
The land is currently open , farmland in fact , so building ‘from scratch’ rather than retrofitting gives the community a chance to shape it.
Because the first phase is completely affordable, the neighborhood can include first-time buyers, young families and people looking for value. This can actually be a good thing for community vitality , new children, new energy.
On the other hand: When all the houses are new, services (cafes, shops, social infrastructure) sometimes lag behind. If I were going there, I would check out what’s already there or what’s planned.
Pros and cons – from my personal point of view
Here I try to be honest, and share some perspectives from someone who has had to choose a house, change neighborhoods and test out new developments.
Advantages
Value for money: In areas like Wigan you often get more for your money than in London or the South East. A well-executed new development can have good value and appeal.
Community built right: Because the developer plans green spaces, transport links etc, this has a chance to be better than the ‘afterthought’ properties you sometimes get.
Affordability and inclusiveness: The greater element of affordable housing means more people can access modern, purpose-built housing. This creates more mixed, vibrant communities.
Brand and quality: If Kellen Homes keeps its reputation intact (they will), it’s not just “any construction” – it’s attention to design, energy efficiency, etc.
Disadvantages/risks
Barriers to growth: Big projects move forward. The first 150 homes may be ready quickly, but the full 1,000+ homes will take several years. There may be delays in the infrastructure. I have traveled to places where roads or shops had not yet been built.
Impact on ownership composition: Many homes will be affordable/socially rented. This is not a negative in itself, but if all the stages lean in one direction, you may end up with fewer owners , which can affect sustainability, resale value and community management.
Transport and facilities: Even when transport links are promised, we always ask: “When?” Will the guided bus route stop working before the houses are occupied? What is the current situation?
Traffic and local impact: Local people have already reported that the roads are congested. One resident said: “Traffic congestion on the estate is already extreme and this development will make it even worse.”
From my personal relocation perspective: When I drive home through an area where new housing was built 5 years ago, I still see vacant units, roads that need to be leveled, neighbors who have not yet moved in. So I always have “timing” in the back of my mind when I consider such new buildings. If I was shopping on Wellington Drive, I would ask: when should I buy?
Just start the link?
Will shops and GPs be open?
Trees planted and landscaping completed?
Who is this development best for?
With all of the above in mind, here’s who I think could benefit most from the Wigan Kellen Homes Wellington Drive development – and who might want to pop in and ask more questions.
Good fit
First time buyers or young families looking for a modern home at affordable prices in a growing area.
Rent-to-buy investors (based on local rental demand in Wigan) who want new shares in developments with good infrastructure.
Downsizing in the home that wants low maintenance, new construction and a fresh start.
People who don’t mind being part of a “new community” – where neighborhoods, amenities, shops, etc. Are still being built.
Caution is required
Those who want everything ready now: shops, schools, railway stations, cafe culture. You may have to wait a bit while the growth matures.
Upsizers requiring 5+ bedrooms and large gardens may find that the early stages of this development are more skewed towards 2, 3 and 4 bed homes (the first phase at least 150).
People are very sensitive to traffic or infrastructure stress , local roads are already labeled as ‘congested’.
My personal journey with equitable development (and what I learned)
Let me tell a personal anecdote so you can see why I care about these details:
Five years ago I moved into a newly built property just outside the city where I lived. It was marketed as “modern housing, green space, new community”. I loved the bright kitchen, the efficient heating system and the promise of “everything new”. But after entering I realized:
The bus route wasn’t open yet → I still needed a car for everything.
Promised cafes/mini shops were delayed → I drove 15 minutes for a latte.
The lush landscape was empty of plants → it took 3 summers before it felt like a park.
Some neighbors were still undecided.
All this is to say: new developments bring enormous benefits, but there is a small price to pay for “waiting”. I carry that experience into my view of Wellington Drive: I think it has a lot of potential if you’re just ready for the journey now rather than expecting everything to be completely ready.
Important questions to ask (if you are considering moving here)
Whenever I observe a development like this, I always have a checklist of questions. You may also find it useful:
What is the timeline?
Will the exhibition homes or the first homes be finished?
When will the guided bus stop be in operation?
The linear park or green space be properly landscaped?
What are the hiring mixes per phase?
In the first phase on Wellington Drive, all the homes are affordable. But future phases may include open market housing – ask if that’s planned.
Who are the providers of social rent or shared ownership (in this case Great Places Housing Group).
Contribution and influence of infrastructure
For example: £900k for junction improvements.
North-west location
What about schools, health services, shops? Are new buildings connected to them?
What is the current state of local roads – how busy are they today?
Developer specifications and build quality
What are the building standards (mentions energy efficiency, wheelchair accessibility).
Does the developer have good references? Kellen Homes claims a “Gold Award” for customer satisfaction.
Local amenities and transport
Which is the nearest train/bus? How long is it to city centers or work centers?
What commerce/entertainment/leisure already exists in the area and what is planned?
What is the nature of the existing community? Are you moving into an established neighbourhood, or do you want to help create one?
Resale potential and market demand
How desirable is Wigan at the moment? Is there a demand for housing there?
Are there any other new developments nearby that compete with it?
What are future phases likely to look like in terms of price pressure or saturation?
My verdict: The big picture on Wellington Drive
After digging through all the facts and considering my experience, this is what I would say if you asked me:
“Yes, the Wigan Kellen Homes Wellington Drive development is a solid opportunity – but consider it medium term and expect some ‘growth’ over time.”
What I like:
It has scale, so the developer has to invest.
Infrastructure commitments demonstrate purpose beyond just homes.
A good mix of affordable housing means strong social values.
Wigan still offers relatively good value, which appeals to first-time buyers and investors alike.
What I warn:
If you want everything to be perfect on the first day (cafes open, bus stops live, perfectly mature landscape) , you might want to be a little early.
Infrastructure risk: Sometimes commits are delayed (which I have encountered).
Being part of a major new build means your neighbors and the wider community are still being formed. It’s exciting , but different from entering an established field.
From my personal journey of moving on, waiting, adapting, I would suggest: If you are comfortable with something “coming up” and like the idea of being a part of something new, this could be for you. But if you already have everything you need, you might want to check the preparations for the current stage carefully.
Looking ahead: What to expect over the next few years
Let’s talk about the future – what do I think we’ll see happening on Wellington Drive in the next 3-5 years and why you might want to keep an eye on it.
Phase Rollout: The first 150 homes will be built soon, but as more open market homes are released in each phase, you’ll start to see more variety, maybe show homes, more amenities.
Transport links: As guided bus stops become operational, connectivity will improve , often increasing desirability and value.
Green and community space maturity: Trees planted now will grow, park space will become more established, neighborhood identity will form.
Facilities and retail: With population growth comes demand. Convenience stores, perhaps a community centre, perhaps leisure facilities follow or are planned.
Market reaction and pricing: As the area becomes better connected and established, prices may increase. Early buyers often get the best value – provided the build quality is maintained.
Resale and rental market testing: If you invest, within a few years you will start to see how much the area attracts tenants or owners. This is the key to long-term value.
One last story from me
Here’s the final anecdote: When I moved into my previous new build property, I sheepishly admit that I had underestimated the wait. One winter the heating system broke down (it’s inevitable) and I called my builder. He said: “Yes, it’s a new community, things are good, but please be patient as phase two is still under construction.” In that moment I learned: being part of a new plan means being patient. It’s not about absolute instant perfection. It’s about seeing something grow.
So when I think of Wellington Drive, I imagine walking there, hanging a picture in my new lounge, walking through the linear park as the trees get older, taking the newly built bus route to Manchester, knowing that I’m helping to build a neighbourhood, not just moving into one. I think new home builders (or investors) benefit from this same type of mentality.
Key Takings
- In short: “Wigan Kellen Homes Wellington Drive Development” is much more than just a handful of homes. It’s a vision: a neighborhood built with transit, green space, mixed-use housing, a developer with ambition, and a community on the move.
- If you’re looking for something new to do in Wigan, this development deserves your attention. But as I’ve learned, treat it as a journey rather than a checklist of “everything is perfect now.”
- If you want, I can post available availability, floor plans and prices (if publicly available) for the current phase so you can have a clear idea of ”is there anything I can buy now?” Snapshot. Do you want me to do it?
Additional Resources
- Wigan Council – Masterplan for Land North of Mosley Common: Council’s official masterplan outlining how the Mosley Common area will evolve, including the 1,100-home vision, new busway connections, schools, and linear park features.
