Torus mobilises £7m St Helens housing

HMS Construction is expecting a spring 2025 completion for its delivery of 40 affordable homes at Somerset Street in Parr, as part of the housing provider’s regeneration commitments in the borough.

Torus Developments is leading the redevelopment of the two-acre St Helens site, which is synonymous with anti-social behaviour and fly tipping.

The Halsall Lloyd Partnership-designed scheme will feature 28 two- and 10 three-bedroom houses, as well as two two-bedroom bungalows.

Each property will be available for affordable rent or rent-to-buy.

Torus has invested £6.6m into the development as part of its plans to invest in and regenerate eight sites in St Helens.

In July, the housing association tabled plans to build 32 affordable homes on the former Parr Mount Court site in Fingerpost. Other earmarked sites are Sussex Grove, Atlas Street, Park Road, Holly Bank Street, and Chancery Lane.

Steve Alcock, director of development and technical at Torus, said: “As a group, Torus is far more than just a developer, it works with communities to deliver schemes that benefit all and create true grassroots change.

“Modern, affordable, high-quality homes are, literally and metaphorically, the building blocks of a fairer, more equitable society and we’re thrilled to be delivering not only this scheme, but seven others across the borough as part of our area action plan that will deliver myriad of opportunities to the people of Fingerpost and Parr.”

HMS construction director, John Barrow, added: “This is the ninth scheme we have built in St Helens for Torus, and it is one that I feel will create the most positive change for the local area.”

Stantec is the scheme’s planning consultant. The project team also includes Shape Consulting Engineers, LK Group, and Ascerta.

To learn more about the project, search for application number P/2022/0531/FUL on St Helens Council’s planning portal.