Regeneration of Liverpool's Norris Green Takes Significant Step Forwards as Developers Move on Site

01/03/2011

A long term project to redevelop a 63 acre site within the Norris Green area of North Liverpool has taken a significant step forward as developers move on site.

Despite the difficult economic climate, investment-led urban regeneration specialist Inpartnership and its partners are pressing ahead on Phase 1 of the £200m six phase scheme.

The work is being delivered under the Inliverpool limited liability partnership, which Inpartnership formed with Liverpool City Council in 2007 to support the Council with its ambitious long term regeneration strategy for the city.

Development partner Countryside Properties has moved on to the site, with work now underway to construct the first 60 homes of the 170 properties to be built within Phase 1 of the development, following funding from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

Of the 60 homes under construction, 15 properties will be for sale on the open market. While of the remaining 45 homes, 25 will be rented and 20 will be intermediate units, otherwise known as home share offers, through local registered social landlord Cobalt.

Duncan Sutherland, Managing Director of Manchester-based niche regeneration specialist Inpartnership, leaders in delivering long-term large-scale regeneration projects, explained that the scheme will bring much needed housing to the area and help to reinvigorate local neighbourhoods.

Mr Sutherland said: “We are delighted to be moving forward with our plans - and more so now than ever given the current market conditions. It has taken longer to get to this stage than we anticipated when forming Inliverpool but what is important now is that we are here on site and making real inroads into the long term development of Norris Green Village. All of this has been made possible due to the continued commitment from the partners and the ability for the innovative model to draw on investment.”

Liverpool City Council Leader Joe Anderson said: “This is an exciting time for Norris Green, and the days of its notoriety as ‘the Boot Estate’ are coming to an end. These new homes demonstrate our full commitment to the neighbourhood and I’m sure they will play a key role in strengthening community confidence and driving up the quality of lives.

“The regeneration of Norris Green is a key strategic priority for Liverpool and the region.

“Improving social housing is an absolute priority for us and this work is yet another example of how we can work effectively with partners to provide good quality, affordable housing for the people who need it most.”

Richard Jones, investment and regeneration manager of the Homes and Communities Agency said: “It is great news that development is moving ahead on this significant site that is set to make a major contribution to the regeneration of Norris Green.  We are optimistic that the new homes will act as a catalyst for the area, attracting more investment and enhancing the lives of local people.”

Peter Vella, of Countryside Properties, added: “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to be involved in; working in partnership to help transform the area with the introduction of affordable, quality new homes that are accessible to all. We pride ourselves on being able to offer genuine value to buyers and through our own shared equity scheme, that will also be available here at Norris Green Village, we have helped hundreds of first time buyers to step onto the property ladder. Construction is already well under way with our new show home opening in May.”

It is Inliverpool’s aim to work as a partnership between the community, public and private sectors to ensure sustainable and effective regeneration across the City of Liverpool.

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