Placefirst targets May for next Welsh Streets completions

Almost half of the 99 houses being refurbished in phase two of Placefirst’s Welsh Streets project in Toxteth have been reserved off-plan by renters, according to the PRS developer.

In August, Placefirst finished work on the pilot phase at Welsh Streets, which saw 25 remodelled Victorian terraced properties created at High Park Street and Voelas Street in Princes Park.

The £10m phase two began work on site in November and Placefirst anticipates full completion in the first few months of 2019. Works are being delivered by Placefirst Construction.

The homes are a mix of two, three, and four-bedroom houses, and are being created through refurbishment of three streets; Wynnstay Street, Rhiwlas and Powis Street.

In total Placefirst expects to deliver around 300 homes at the Welsh Streets over a total of five phases, all for private rent. In addition to the refurbishment and remodeling of existing properties, Placefirst is developing plans for a limited number of new-build homes and the introduction of a pocket park that will be managed by Placefirst as part of its long-term investment plan.

Sarah Hughes, head of resident services at Placefirst, said: “Similar to phase one, a lot of the applications and reservations we receive are from households either from the local area, or those who moved away and now want to move back. The neighbourhood has so much going for it whether it’s Green Flag parks, the exciting work over in Granby Four Streets, or the close proximity to independent shops and cafes in Lark Lane. But most of all, people seem to be drawn by the design of the new homes and our emphasis on trying to create communities, not soulless housing developments.”