Located on the site of the former TJ Hughes department store, Equans will construct 258 flats with ground floor retail and commercial space.

The scheme will comprise of 144 one-bedroom properties, 99 two-bedroom and 15 studio apartments – all available for private rent.

Equans has worked alongside UK Land & Property to assist with the specification and build feasibility.

All units are designed to achieve a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of B, utilising a full sustainability strategy, which includes low-carbon electrical solution with supporting energy-efficiency features.

Tim Wood, Regional Managing Director at Equans UK & Ireland (North West), said: “Home Group is a long-standing partner of Equans and it’s been great to bring our expertise in delivering net zero carbon solutions to the table.”

Work is due to begin on the scheme in late 2021.