Liverpool City Council is working with Duke Developments on a programme to bring dozens of long-term empty homes back into use. Tony McDonough reports
Duke Developments is to refurbish 52 long-term empty homes in Liverpool in a deal with the city council.
Work is set to begin on the programme which has identified properties in Anfield, Edge Hill, Everton North and Princes Park. This work will begin shortly and provide much-needed homes as well as improving neighbourhoods.
First phase of the programme will start in Anfield and move into Edge Hill over the coming months as part of a wider plan to bring vacant housing back into use across the city.
Most of the homes included in the programme have been empty for more than 20 years and require significant repair and improvement. Around a fifth are affected by serious structural issues, making refurbishment essential before they can be lived in again.
Works by Duke will see all the houses fully refurbished with the aim of creating good-quality housing for local people while supporting wider regeneration plans in the area.
Some of the refurbished homes will be advertised through Property Pool Plus, giving people on Liverpool’s housing register the opportunity to apply for them through the normal allocations process.
Cllr Hetty Wood, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “We are determined to bring empty homes back into use and make the most of the housing we already have across the city.
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“These are properties that have stood empty for many years and, in many cases, have fallen into a very poor condition. By refurbishing them, we can provide high-quality homes for people who need them while also improving the look and feel of our neighbourhoods.
“This first phase is an important step in a wider programme that will see dozens of long-term empty homes given a new lease of life, supporting our work to tackle housing need and strengthen communities.”