Funding secured for Welsh Streets redevelopment
Plus Dane Housing is to start work on the main phase of a £17.4m regeneration project in Toxteth’s Welsh Streets, which will see the remodelling and refurbishment of 127 properties to create 99 affordable homes.
The housing group is amid a six-home pilot project, due for completion in June, and work will now begin on a rolling basis on the remaining 93 houses, following Liverpool City Council approval and a funding commitment from Homes England.
This is a separate project to that being delivered by PlaceFirst in Welsh Streets, where an initial 25 houses were delivered last year, and a further 99 will be completed by this summer, half of which have been reserved off-plan.
A PlaceFirst spokesman told Place North West that the plans are “complementary” and that the intention was always for Plus Dane, the majority landowner south of Kimmel Street, to deliver a portion of Welsh Streets.
Shared ownership, social housing and affordable housing will be available through Plus Dane, and private rented through PlaceFirst.
Barbara Spicer, chief executive of Plus Dane Housing said: “Our involvement in the Welsh Streets spans decades. Following lots of disappointments for our tenants and other people living there we have remained committed and determined to supporting the much needed improvement of the area.
“Residents have been consulted on the latest plans and will continue to have a genuine voice to ensure the homes meet their needs and expectations. We are excited to be able to finally bring forward these plans which will play a significant part in the wider Welsh Streets regeneration and make a positive difference to the area.
“Our plans complement those of PlaceFirst perfectly and will result in a vibrant, sustainable community.”
Tenants currently living in Welsh Streets, an area with traditional Victorian terracing, will move out whilst the work takes place, but can return to a newly refurbished home if they want to remain in the area. It is expected that the project will complete in 2021.
Plus Dane Housing will contribute more than £10m towards the project, with Homes England and Liverpool City Council contributing £4m and £1.7m respectively.
Cllr Frank Hont, cabinet member for housing at Liverpool City Council, said: “The regeneration of the Welsh Streets is 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. I’m delighted that Plus Dane is now in a position to begin rolling out this programme.”
