Affordable housing provider Torus appoints in-house construction arm HMS to complete stalled £9.8m residential development in Liverpool. Tony McDonough reports

Work on a stalled £9.8m residential development in Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle is to restart.

Affordable housing provider Torus has appointed its in-house construction arm HMS to complete The Vaults in St James Street by spring 2024. It comprises 64 apartments as well as commercial space.

Construction was halted in early 2022 when Crossfield Construction collapsed into administration. Now Torus is to revive the scheme with HMS due to begin work on the project imminently. The Vaults will see 64 homes available under Rent to Buy.

HMS will complete all internal works as well as a number of remedial and external works. Director of Development and sales at Torus Developments, Steve Alcock, said: “I am confident that the development of The Vaults is in safe hands.

“The team (at HMS) are becoming experts at completing this type of project and delivering high quality homes in difficult circumstances. I am looking forward to seeing the site complete, following a long hiatus in work.

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“When handed over, The Vaults will mark HMS’ completion of more than 300 additional homes to us. This is above and beyond the expected development activity and further highlights the team’s ability to adapt and deliver consistently.

“The past three years have seen unprecedented turmoil in the construction sector so it is important to have such a reliable partner.”

This is the sixth development HMS has taken over for Torus. HMS construction director John Barrow added: “As a unique site, The Vaults will be a complex, yet rewarding, build for the team.

“With their vast experience and knowledge I know we will get the scheme back on track for completion next year. It will provide another opportunity for us to further prove our credentials as a new build contractor of choice.”