A Liverpool fire station linked to The Beatles classic Penny Lane is converted into a £8m affordable homes development by Torus. Tony McDonough reports
Affordable housing developer Torus has unveiled its latest completed development on a site forever linked to the classic Beatles song Penny Lane.
Construction firm HMS, a division of Torus, has now handed over the development at the former Allerton fire and police station in South Liverpool. Now called Station Mews it offers 47 homes all for shared ownership.
It comprises two three-bedroom semi-detached houses, two three-bedroom and three four-bedroom townhouses as well as 40 one and two-bedroom apartments. Homes England contributed £1.7m to the cost.
In Penny Lane, The Beatles sang:
“In Penny Lane, there is a fireman with an hourglass, And in his pocket is a portrait of the Queen. He likes to keep his fire engine clean. It’s a clean machine”
Lennon and McCartney’s song was centred on Penny Lane and Allerton Road with the fabled fireman based at the local fire station.
HMS has worked to ensure it retained a number of the original features, including the fire station crest, facade and external walls as well as incorporating modern methods of construction and energy efficient materials and technology.
Managing director Paul Worthington said: “It’s fantastic to see Station Mews complete and what once was an unloved, forgotten building brought back to life.
“We all know how important these new homes are to the local community and it’s fantastic to be able to share in their pride for the site.
“This was a challenging, yet rewarding build, seeing the team incorporate modular technologies and traditional build techniques. However, seeing it complete and the intricacies of the build programme shine is really worth it.”
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Torus chief executive Steve Coffey added: “This is the second time HMS has regenerated a historic building in Liverpool and created a new, unique housing scheme for Torus.
“I already know that it will be as successful and popular as the team’s redevelopment of Ogden’s Tobacco Factory in Everton.
“Seeing Station Mews complete is terrific and knowing that it will give a number of people the opportunity to get onto the property ladder is even better.”