The Mainway estate in Skerton was built in the 1960s and is home to 257 council properties. Although the buildings were refurbished in the 1990s, they have now reached the point where they need significant investment. Structural surveys have confirmed that the estate requires either major refurbishment or, in some cases, rebuilding. Following an extensive consultation with residents — carried out in partnership with Lancaster University's Beyond Imagination team — 70% of tenants said they were in favour of change.
The regeneration covers both the existing Mainway estate and the former Skerton High School site, which the council acquired and demolished in 2024. A masterplan has been developed for the combined area, with the aim of delivering around 400 homes in total — a net increase of approximately 150.
The plans include a mix of apartments and terraced houses, new community facilities, improved green spaces with football pitches, children's play areas, and better pedestrian and cycle links to the riverside and Ryelands Park. Energy efficiency is at the heart of the proposals, in line with the council's Climate Emergency declaration. The goal is to provide low-carbon homes that keep running costs down for residents.
Planning permission was granted in December 2024 for 135 new affordable homes on the nine-acre former school site. The development will include:
- 64 one-bedroom apartments
- 46 two-bedroom homes
- 21 three-bedroom houses
- 4 four-bedroom houses
All homes will be for affordable social rent with the council as landlord.
The masterplan also includes 380 square metres of community space, 135 parking spaces, a new green link connecting Mainway to Owen Road, a pocket square at the centre of the development, and a new access road from Owen Road.
Since planning permission was granted, the council has been working on how best to deliver the new homes.
In September 2025, the council applied to the national Council Housebuilding Support Fund. This funding would help progress designs and prepare for the next round of government funding through the Social and Affordable Homes Programme from 2026 onwards.
In October 2025, the council began exploring options to work with a development partner. This would help deliver homes on both the school site and the wider Mainway estate while keeping costs manageable. In November 2025, the council formally invited expressions of interest from developers and housing providers.
This work is about finding the best way to turn plans into homes as quickly as possible.
Bridge House
Bridge House, the tower block on the estate, is being wound down as a residential building. Residents have been supported to move to other suitable accommodation. The council is now gathering ideas from the community about the future of the building and the surrounding green space — including suggestions for a community garden.
Resident involvement has been central to this project from the start, and that will continue as plans progress. Throughout 2025, the council has held regular events, newsletters, and drop-in sessions on the estate. These have covered topics ranging from damp and mould support to community fun days and litter picks.
The Mainway Tenants and Residents Group meet every Thursday morning from 10am to 12 noon at the My Mainway Hub, 7 Owen Road, Lancaster.
If you live on or near the Mainway estate and would like to have your say, you can get involved by joining the residents' steering group or attending upcoming community events. To do this, please contact our Community Engagement Team by emailing chengagement@lancaster.gov.uk. Alternatively, you can contact them by phone directly by either 01524 586891 or 01524 582123.
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