A new supported housing development for young people in Wigan has officially been handed over, marking a major step forward in tackling youth homelessness in the borough.
Your Housing Group (YHG) has taken formal handover of its brand-new Lock 20 Foyer on Boundary Street, following the completion of the £7.1 million build. The scheme will soon begin welcoming its first residents, with final preparations now underway.
The purpose-built development will provide 38 high-quality one-bedroom apartments for young people aged 16–25 who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of becoming homeless. The project has been delivered with support from Homes England, Wigan Council and the Brownfield Housing Fund, with construction led by Hargreaves Contracting.
With the building now complete, YHG is carrying out final works including IT installation, furnishing and operational setup to ensure everything is in place ahead of residents moving in over the coming weeks.
Lock 20 Foyer has been designed specifically to support young people who have faced instability, offering not just accommodation but a safe and supportive environment. The building includes self-contained apartments, a residents’ lounge and breakout areas, a multi-functional gym, a training kitchen, meeting and interview spaces, and a dedicated on-site staff hub to provide support.
The development also features modern energy-efficient technology, including mechanical ventilation with heat recovery and a 23kW solar PV system
Jacque Allen, Chief Executive at Your Housing Group, said the handover marks an important milestone for both the organisation and future residents. She said the development is more than just a building, describing it as a place where young people can feel safe, supported and able to build a better future.
Kate Collins, Head of Affordable Housing Delivery at Homes England, added that increasing the supply of high-quality, affordable homes remains a key priority. She said Lock 20 Foyer will provide a safe and supportive environment where young people can build confidence and take positive steps forward.
Neil Ashworth, Managing Director at Hargreaves, said the company is proud to have delivered a project that will make a real difference locally, with a focus on creating a practical, high-quality space that supports young people into independent living.
Foyers are designed to offer more than just a place to stay. They provide young people with safe, stable accommodation alongside structured support to help them move towards independence. Residents are given access to education, training and employment opportunities, as well as personalised guidance to help improve their long-term prospects.
This approach is based on “Advantage Thinking”, a strengths-based model used across the Foyer Federation network, which focuses on building on young people’s talents and aspirations to help them achieve positive and sustainable outcomes.
Lock 20 Foyer is located on Boundary Street in Wigan, close to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and just a short distance from Wigan town centre. The development sits in a well-connected area, providing residents with easy access to local amenities, public transport links, education providers and employment opportunities across the borough.
