Work starts on the construction of 34 new social homes on the site of a former pub on the eastern outskirts of Liverpool. Tony McDonough reports

Developer Breck Homes has started work on the construction of 34 new social homes on the former Boundary pub site in east Liverpool.

In partnership with housing association Torus, Breck will build 4 one to three-bedroom homes all available for social rent in the Pilch Lane area close to Broadgreen in Liverpool and Roby in Knowsley.

Social housing typically offers rent at no more than 50% of the local market rate. This is distinct from affordable housing where rent is usually no more than 80% of the local market rate.

These new properties will be heated by an air source heat pump, removing the need for gas boilers and reliance on fossil fuels. In addition, each new home will also feature an electric vehicle (EV) charging point.

It was back in 2011 that the Boundary pub was demolished. The site was then subject to several unsuccessful planning applications before Breck acquired the land unconditionally in 2025 and secured planning approval from Knowsley Council in March 2026.

This scheme is expected to be completed by late spring 2028. Phil Dolan, managing director – North West, Breck Homes, said: “Starting construction at Pilch Lane means we are now actively building on 12 live sites in the North West.

“At Breck Homes, we are committed to building hundreds of much-needed social and affordable homes each year and transforming communities across the entire North West region.

“There is significant demand for social housing in Liverpool, and this development will help to address that need, bringing a derelict brownfield site back into use by creating new homes for local people and families.”

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Ian Byrne, Labour MP for Liverpool West Derby, welcomed the start of construction on the project. He added: “There is a desperate need for social housing across Liverpool, with more than 14,000 households on the council’s housing waiting list, including a growing need in the West Derby area.

“It’s fantastic to see Breck Homes and Torus working in partnership to deliver this scheme, which will also create local employment opportunities throughout the construction process. I’m looking forward to seeing it progress over the coming months.”