ForHousing starts Stockbridge Village homes  

The developer, part of ForViva Group, is building a residential scheme of 24 affordable homes in Knowsley, expected to form the first of a two-phase project.

The £3m development, called Round Hey, is being constructed on the site of the derelict St Jude’s church in Stockbridge Village, which is currently being demolished.

Of the 24 homes, 18 will be one-bedroom apartments and six will be three-bedroom houses. The scheme, which is part-funded through a £1.25m grant from government agency Homes England, is scheduled to complete in autumn 2021.

The contractor is Crossfield Construction and the architect is Eden Building Design.

In February, ForHousing completed what it describes as the first affordable housing scheme in Stockbridge Village for more than a decade – a £1.6m development of 16 homes on the site of the former Barley Mow pub.

ForHousing has another investment in Stockbridge Village – a  £12m, 90-home extra care development called Jackson Gardens, which is due to be completed this year.

The company has plans for additional, smaller developments in Stockbridge Village and Knowsley, and a second phase at Round Hey.

Nigel Sedman, group director of homes at ForHousing, said: “It’s great to be on site working on this development after a few uncertain months.

“Affordable homes are needed now more than ever and we’re proud to be bringing these high-quality new homes to Stockbridge Village.

“The development will also bring some great employment opportunities to the area and follows the successful Barley Mow development we completed last year.”

Cllr Tony Brennan, cabinet member for regeneration and economic development at Knowsley Council, added: “[It’s good] to see this derelict site being brought back into use, providing much-needed affordable homes in Stockbridge Village.”