A deal between a developer and the Archdiocese of Liverpool will see the construction of 136 affordable homes on the site of a former Catholic primary school. Tony McDonough reports
Developer Breck Homes has secured a deal with the Archdiocese of Liverpool to acquire land formerly occupied by a Catholic primary school to build 136 affordable homes.
This land covers 6.7 acres and was formerly the site of St Dominic’s RC Primary School in Southdean Road, Huyton, which closed in 2011. It has been left empty since then and so is considered ideal for much-needed residential development.
Breck’s proposals will provide a mix of one to four-bedroom homes, one and two-bedroom apartments for affordable rent, social rent and shared ownership, landscaping and open space for local public use. An affordable home is one where the rent or sale price is no more than 80% of local market rate.
This proposed development is currently awaiting planning permission from Knowsley Council and the purchase is conditional on planning being granted. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2027, subject to planning approval.
Phil Dolan, managing director – North West, Breck Homes said: “This is an important brownfield site which has been unused for many years, and we believe there is a real opportunity to bring it back into positive use for the benefit of the local community.
“Huyton, like many areas across the North West, needs more good quality affordable homes, and our aim is to create a place that provides these, improve a long-unused site and make a positive contribution.
“We understand how important this site is locally, particularly given its connection to St Dominic’s Church and the former school. That is why we want to work carefully and constructively with residents, the parish, the Archdiocese and Knowsley Council as the plans move forward.”
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Breck is also inviting local residents to attend a public consultation event on Thursday, July 16, at The Gate Community Centre, Huyton, Liverpool between 2pm and 6pm to learn more about the plans and share their views.
A spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Liverpool added: “Following a rigorous selection process, we are confident that the land at the rear of St Dominic’s Church has been entrusted to a developer capable of delivering high-quality affordable homes.”