Build-to-rent developer Placefirst secures planning approval for the final phase of its £40m Welsh Streets project in Liverpool. Tony McDonough reports
Placefirst has secured planning approval for the sixth and final phase of its £40m Welsh Streets regeneration project.
This will see the delivery of 13 new homes in the south Liverpool district. They will incline a mix of three-bedroom family homes and apartments. This will take the number of Placefirst homes, both new-build and refurbished, to just under 300.
Originally built in the 1870s for Welsh workers relocating to Liverpool, the Welsh Streets estate in Toxteth fell into dilapidation. Early in the 2000s they were earmarked for a demolition and rebuild programme.
However, following a successful local campaign to preserve the streets the city council later approved a transformation plan.
In May last year LBN reported how housing association Plus Dane had completed a £17m scheme to create 99 “modern, contemporary affordable homes” in a separate Welsh Streets scheme.
This redevelopment project saw 127 former terraced homes in Pengwern Street, Gwydir Street, High Park Street and Kinmel Street in Toxteth transformed after being empty for a number of years.
Placefirst’s final phase will see three of the 13 new homes made fully wheelchair accessible. Its scheme will also include a new community hub where Placefirst’s dedicated resident services manager will be based.
Designed by MBED Architects, Phase 6 will create a traditional terrace in-keeping with the existing street scene and character of the surrounding area. Other members of the team include Curtins (engineers) and WSP (on planning).
READ MORE: Developer unveils £12m Fabric District scheme
Placefirst, a build-to-rent developer, worked closely with Liverpool City Council on the plans to bring the land situated between High Park Street, Wynnstay Street and Kelvin Grove forward. Construction on the final phase will start later this year.
James Litherland, head of planning at Placefirst, said: “This represents a key milestone as it is the final phase of development in this neighbourhood. We have worked with partners to transform the area into a popular and vibrant community.
“The Welsh Streets showcases what long term partnerships and build-to-rent investment can deliver in terms of regeneration and placemaking, and we look forward to starting construction work later this year.”