The announcement of the new arm, Create Homes, coincides with the acquisition of its first residential development site in Inskip, Preston.

Work has just started on the site which will boast 27 houses in the next 18 months.

Gill Matheson, Marketing Director at Create commented: “We had been looking for some time to introduce a new residential property development arm to the business and felt the time was right.

“After considerable research we chose the site at Inskip, a popular location in stunning surroundings with great access to transport networks.

“This is an exciting time for us and we are fully intending this development to be the first of many in the Fylde and Wyre areas.”

The acquisition was advised by Martin Long, Commercial Property partner at Napthens solicitors,  who stated that Create Construction’s new venture was a logical step for the business.

“It is great news to see a successful local business expanding in this way, particularly when the property and construction sector has faced some tough times in recent years.”

The expansion follows a series of appointments earlier in the year, including David Rowen who had been hired especially to address commercial matters relating to the Inskip site.

The news contrasts last week’s Office for National Statistics’ announcement that construction output had decreased by 1.1% in Q1 2016, when compared to the previous quarter.

The Blackpool-based firm has 15 years of experience in the retail, leisure, and commercial property sectors and has been involved in landmark projects in the North of England.