DEVELOPER ISSUES PROGRESS UPDATE AS NEW SHOW HOME OPENS IN DARWEN

FIVE years after being named the preferred developer to deliver new homes in Darwen, Elan Homes is preparing to open a second show home.

Elan acquired 8.64 acres of land at Milking Lane from Barnfield Blackburn Ltd, a joint venture between the Blackburn with Darwen Council and Brierfield-based Barnfield Construction in 2021.

The original show home at Tower Gardens opened in summer 2023, with many of the properties now occupied.

Building work is progressing well, with a new show home opening next weekend (July 4/5).

Elan regional sales and marketing director Marie Morris said: “We’re immensely proud of what we’ve achieved at Tower Gardens, particularly as previous attempts by others to redevelop the former brownfield site had failed. The first phase offered three and four-bedroom homes, the majority of which are now sold and occupied. We also identified that there was a need for two and three-bedroom homes in Darwen and so adapted our plans to increase a wider mix of properties. This flexible approach demonstrates our commitment to tackling the housing shortage and delivering the homes people really want.

“We’re extending an open invitation to anyone looking for a new home in Darwen to join us this weekend for the launch of the three-bedroom Fairford show home. Across the development 10 of the 83 homes we’re building will be the Fairford house type and we’ve already sold three of them. It’s a versatile property, well-suited to a range of buyers, from those stepping onto the housing ladder to families and downsizers. It really is a must see.”

The Fairford is a three-bedroom detached, double-fronted property, offering 933 sq ft of well-planned living space.

On one side of the hallway is a spacious lounge, while on the opposite side of the home there’s a combined kitchen and dining room, with French doors opening out to the garden. A utility and cloakroom complete the ground floor.

Upstairs, there are three good-sized bedrooms, one with en-suite to complement the family bathroom.

Current availability at Tower Gardens includes two, three and four-bedroom homes, with prices from £204,995.

Selected properties are available with the offer of a 5% deposit boost, while in some circumstances Elan, named Housebuilder of the Year at the Insider Lancashire Property Awards 2025, will consider part exchange to help those moving up the housing ladder.

Ideally placed between Darwen and Blackburn, the location of Elan’s new homes at Tower Gardens has broad appeal. Lower Darwen Primary School is close by, making it an ideal base for raising a family.

There are plenty of opportunities to explore the outdoors nearby including Bold Venture Park and Jubilee Tower, which inspired the development name.

The new show home at Tower Gardens opens on Saturday, July 4. It will then be open Thursday to Monday from 10am to 5pm. For more information see https://www.elan-homes.co.uk/developments/tower-gardens.