Work starts on £30m Rock Ferry scheme

Contractor Anwyl Partnerships is on site delivering 186 homes on land previously occupied by Rock Ferry High School in Birkenhead, 12 months after a fire at the site’s grade two-listed Ravenswood House delayed the project. 

Affordable housing developer Torus agreed to buy the 20-acre plot from Wirral Council for £2.1m last year but, following damage caused by the fire, the council accepted a revised bid of £1.2m for the site.

The former Rock Ferry High School closed in 2016 and was subsequently demolished. The site has been earmarked for redevelopment into housing ever since. 

Torus Homes has appointed construction firm Anwyl Partnerships to deliver the £30m scheme, which features 102 extra care apartments for over-55s, eight of which will be contained within the restored Ravenswood House. 

An additional 84 affordable homes are to be constructed on the site; 19 are to be made available for shared ownership, and the remaining 65 are earmarked for affordable rent.  

The project is due to complete in 2023. 

Steve Alcock, director of developments & sales at Torus Developments, said: “Rock Ferry is a clear reflection of our focus on the future and protection of and respect for the past.  

“Through repurposing Ravenswood House, building homes specifically for older people and those with extra care needs, as well as ensuring all properties are available via affordable means, Rock Ferry will meet the needs of the local community and safeguard a listed building for the future.”