6th June 2018
127 properties are being extensively remodelled as part of the £17.4m programme to create modern, contemporary homes in the Toxteth neighbourhood.
Madeleine Nelson, Acting Chief Executive of Plus Dane Housing said:
“Plus Dane is hugely proud to be a part of the regeneration of Welsh Streets, working closely with our partners Homes England and Liverpool City Council having been involved in the neighbourhood for decades. This is a flagship regeneration programme for us and more than just creating homes we want to support the rebuilding of the community to ensure it remains a great place to live for our current and future customers.
“In developing our plans, we have worked closely with our customers and the homes we are launching today reflect their aspirations for future living. That Plus Dane has been able to deliver such beautiful homes in response to these aspirations is brilliant.”
Lynnie Hinnigan, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Housing said:
“I’m delighted that Plus Dane is now in a position to launch the first wave of these new, affordable homes in the Welsh Streets. This is a symbolic moment in the regeneration of the area and a great example of how the city council is working with numerous housing partners, like Plus Dane, to bring vacant properties back into use. In the past four years alone we’ve managed to convert 1,500 vacant units into homes and aim to breathe new life into 3,000 more over the next four years.
“This is a fantastic community and the residents have been very patient and understanding of all the hurdles that have had to be negotiated to get to this point. The standard of these homes is outstanding and they are going to make a huge impact on the families’ quality of life and the wider community.”
The Welsh Streets is made up of small Victorian, terraced properties with downstairs toilets. The newly remodelled homes have been opened up to provide larger kitchen and living spaces that benefit from high ceilings, plenty of storage space and some quirky features that you wouldn’t find in new build properties.
In order to create a mix of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes, in some cases two properties have been knocked into one. A significant investment has also been made to increase the energy efficiency of the homes, to make them more economical to run.
Laura, one of the first residents to move back to Gwydir Street following the completion of the pilot said:
“I lived here for 6 years before moving out while the work was being done on my house but I wanted to move back into the street because I love the area and the neighbours. I am so happy now, it feels like a proper home, all fresh, clean and new and so much easier to keep warm.”
We have partnered with Penny Lane Builders, a family owned property company established in the Liverpool 8 area and employing over 250 local people, on the first phase of the programme. As part of their commitment to working with us on the regeneration of the area, they are looking to recruit to 3 apprenticeship roles; Painter and Decorator, Bricklayer and Joiner to work on Welsh Streets. Anyone interested in one of these roles is invited to attend the launch event at 28 Gwydir Street from 1.30pm on 5 July to find out more about the apprenticeships available.
Gerrard McEvoy, Director at Penny Lane Builders said:
“It is great to be working with Plus Dane on the Welsh Streets project and as part of that to create these apprenticeship opportunities. We have a long history of developing early talent at Penny Lane Builders, with 80% of our apprentices remaining with us after completing their training. We look forward to meeting potential candidates interested in these opportunities at the event on 5 July.”
