Plus Dane is celebrating the completion of its flagship redevelopment of Welsh Streets homes in Toxteth.
The extensive regeneration project has brought properties back into use that have been empty for years, in a three-phase project in partnership with Liverpool City Council and Homes England.
Houses in Pengwern Street, Treborth Street, Gwydir Street, High Park Street and Kinmel Street have been completely refurbished as part of a major £17m project to transform the 127 existing terraced properties into 99 modern, contemporary affordable homes.
Customers returned to their homes – or moved to the neighbourhood for the first time – at each stage of the development, with the final happy customers getting the keys to their properties in early May.
“This has been an extraordinary redevelopment with many challenges along the way, so it is a proud day for us at Plus Dane to see this project completed and the difference it has made to the community. We have always been committed to supporting our communities in L8 and it is fantastic to see the Welsh Streets area fulfilling the potential it has always had, to be a desirable place to live.”
Plus Dane’s chief executive Ian Reed
The completion of phase three brings to an end a project that has been decades in the making.
Over the last five years they have been transformed into a mix of two, three and four bedroom homes, all sensitively restored, and providing a high standard of modern energy efficiency.
The ambitious project was delivered in collaboration with a range of partners and stakeholders, including Liverpool City Council, Homes England, Penny Lane Builders, Markhams, and the Halsall Lloyd Partnership.
Local people were recruited on to the project as part of a commitment from Plus Dane and partners to create meaningful work and training opportunities, including jobs and apprenticeships with contractor Penny Lane Builders.
“We know this redevelopment has been hugely important to the Welsh Streets community, and it has meant a great deal for us as a local business to play our part in restoring these homes. Not only that but it has given us the chance to create apprenticeships and job opportunities for people living in the area, including Plus Dane tenants. This has brought some tremendous talent into Penny Lane Builders as well, and shows the wider benefits that regeneration and working in partnership can have in the community.”
Gerard McEvoy, Director of Penny Lane Builders
Councillor Sarah Doyle, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy & Housing, said: “Plus Dane has been a great partner to work with and have delivered quality homes for the people living in the Welsh Streets. They’ve won numerous awards and you can see why."
“The completion of this flagship development marks the conclusion of a remarkable turnaround in the fortunes of the area. Plus Dane has shown that social housing has a very bright future in Liverpool and has created a benchmark for others to aspire to.”
Councillor Sarah Doyle, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy & Housing
