Partnership set to build 600 new homes in Liverpool

THE first 600 homes to be built under the Liverpool Housing Partnership are set to be approved.

A report to the Cabinet on Friday 27 November outlines 17 schemes that will draw in £97 million of investment for 360 affordable rent properties, 50 for private rent and 241 executive homes. They will be delivered by partners Redrow Homes, social housing provider Liverpool Mutual Homes (LMH) and property contractor Wilmott Dixon.

A total of 25 hectares of brownfield land which has previously been used for development is being assembled for the programme, which will see 580 new homes built and 71 houses refurbished.

Of the 17 schemes, two are on site, eight are in planning, one is subject to master planning and six are at the feasibility stage.

The council’s partners are committed to using the scheme to maximise economic growth by using local firms where possible and increasing employment skills by offering apprenticeships.

It is part of a five-year scheme which will see a total of 1,500 new homes constructed and a further 1,000 brought back into use.

Councillor Frank Hont, Cabinet member for housing said: “We badly need a greater range of properties in Liverpool to make sure we can accommodate people whatever their individual circumstances, whether it is people renting, first time buyers or growing families who want to stay in the city.

“The advantage to the partnership is that we are working closely together in a joined up way to make sure we are building the right houses in the right place at the right time to meet demand, as well as bringing empty properties back into use. Where possible, and in the vast majority of cases, we are using land that was previously developed.

“We are absolutely clear that as well as creating new communities for people to live, the schemes must deliver benefits for the local economy, which is why there will be local apprenticeships created and the sub contract work going to local firms where possible.”

Chief Executive at Liverpool Mutual Homes, Steve Coffey, said: “The four partners provide a range of complementary skills and this announcement is clear evidence we share the same ambition to deliver new, high quality, sustainable housing.

“Redeveloping brownfield sites and bringing empty homes back into use is vital to address housing demand.

“Together, we will create resilient and resourceful neighbourhoods that address a wide range of issues beyond just the physical buildings, such as helping people into work and training to make sure they are given the chance to lead enjoyable and prosperous lives.

“To do this, we have to lay the foundations for people by providing places they can call home.”

Faye Whiteoak, development director for Redrow Homes, said: “We’re proud to be part of this unique partnership to deliver much-needed, high quality new housing for the city.

“We will be providing a wide range of properties, from starter homes to executive detached family houses, designed to extend the city’s offering. As well as meeting housing demand, the developments will also stimulate the local economy and provide hundreds of jobs on site, in the supply chain and indirectly within other local business.”

The programme will deliver the homes by March 2020.

The sites and estimated target dates for completion are:

• • Leighton Dene – 40 homes (January 2017)

• • Former Holly Lodge – 60 homes (July 2019)

• • Former Redbridge and Bankview – 60 homes (July 2019)

• • Tetlow Street – 16 homes (November 2016)

• • Former Larkhill Library – 8 homes (October 2016)

• • Former Central Tin Factory – 45 homes (September 2017)

• • Everton Road – 10 homes (December 2016)

• • Eldon Grove – 45 homes (December 2018)

• • Acrefield Road – 12 homes (July 2018)

• • Former Watergate School – 21 homes (May 2017)

• • Banks Road – 100 homes (September 2019)

• • Former Lower Lee School – 19 homes (June 2017)

• • Palmerstone – 26 homes (September 2018)

• • Edge Lane – 100 homes (December 2019)

• • Marwood Tower – 81 homes (August 2016)

• • Normanton Avenue – 8 homes (December 2017)

• Land off Harthill Road – TBC (March 2020)