Mayor helps Plus Dane to break ground on new homes site

Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram joined Plus Dane and partners at the former Johnson's Cleaners headquarters site in Bootle today to mark the start of work on more than 100 new homes.

Plus Dane Housing acquired the former Johnson's Cleaners site on Stanley Road earlier this year and secured planning permission to build a mix of family homes and apartments. United Living New Homes, a subsidiary of United Living Group, will deliver the £22m scheme.

Work has now started on demolishing the former headquarters building on the corner of the site. As soon as the site is clear, the first phase of construction of 67 homes will start. There will be 104 homes on the site in total, 20 shared ownership apartments, and 84 homes for social rent.

The five-acre site has a long history. Johnson's Cleaners was one of the largest dyeing and dry-cleaning operations in the world. It was built close to Liverpool docks to clean the huge drapes from the first-class lounges of the city's transatlantic liners.

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: "It’s fantastic to be here today to mark the start of something really special in Bootle. This development will breathe new life into a site that has historical significance, while addressing the urgent need for affordable housing in our region.

“By providing a mixture of homes, including family houses and shared ownership apartments, we’re creating opportunities for local families to thrive. This is about more than just bricks and mortar though, it’s about building strong, vibrant communities where everyone has the chance to put down roots.

“I’m proud to see our commitment to building more homes in action, and I look forward to watching this project take shape as we continue to invest in the future of the region."

Ian Reed, Chief Executive of Plus Dane, said: "We are pleased to be breaking ground on the Johnsons site in Bootle. I am grateful for the support from Sefton Council, and grant funding from Homes England and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, which will help us deliver 104 much needed homes for the area. It is now over to our colleagues at United Living, to build the homes for us."

Kevin Morris, Operations Director, United Living New Homes, commented:  "We are delighted to be playing a key role in breathing new life into the former Johnson's HQ site, creating a new, vibrant, sustainable community in the heart of Bootle.

"With a track record for delivering high-quality residential schemes across the UK, we look forward to delivering affordable new homes that will provide a welcome housing boost to the local community."