Originally built in the 1870s, the Welsh Streets in Toxteth in Liverpool have been transformed by developer Placefirst with the number of refurbished homes set to pass the 300 mark. Tony McDonough reports

Another 68 homes at Liverpool’s Welsh Streets development will be ready for occupation this summer.

Build-to-let developer Placefirst has delivered a multi-million pound transformation of the residential area in Toxteth. It has so far refurbished more than 250 Victorian houses and the latest phase over the next four months will add 68 to that total.

Originally built in the 1870s for Welsh workers relocating to Liverpool, the Welsh Streets estate fell into dilapidation and early in the 2000s were earmarked for a demolition and rebuild programme. However, following a successful local campaign to preserve the streets the city council later approve Placefirst’s refurbishment plan.

The first phase of the award-winning development began in 2016 after the site, famous for being the location where Beatles drummer Ringo Starr was raised, had been derelict for more than 10 years.

Phase 5 of the scheme sees 16 new family homes released on Kelvin Grove this month. They comprise a variety of three, four and five-bedroomed terraced houses, with retained period features. Phase 4 is also currently under construction with 52 one, two, three and four-bedroom houses which will be completed and available to let this summer.

It will also be seeking planning permission shortly for the conversion of Ivy Cottage at the end of Kelvin Grove which will be converted into three new family homes.

Placefirst says it offers a viable alternative to home ownership. The developer doesn’t just let properties, it also designs, builds, maintains and manages the homes. In April it announced it had raised £30m for new developments across the North West.

David Mawson, chief executive of Placefirst, said: “Having worked collaboratively with Liverpool City Council for several years on the development of this area, we are excited to see the next phase of these properties become available to let.

“Our long-term vision is to help shape a future legacy by creating a vibrant, thriving community which complements and enhances the surrounding area, and we’re confident the Welsh Streets development expansion will provide just this.

“We look forward to the continual progression of this exciting development and are proud that it will provide local people affordable modern properties as an alternative to buying a house.”