Developer Placefirst completes sixth and final phase of its £42.8m regeneration of the Welsh Streets in Liverpool bringing its total number of homes to 296. Tony McDonough reports
Placefirst has completed the sixth and final phase of its £42.8m transformation of the Welsh Streets in south Liverpool.
This final leg of the project has delivered 13 new builds for rent to the Welsh Streets development, taking the number of homes across the neighbourhood to 296.
In partnership with Liverpool City Council, Placefirst developed a masterplan in 2016 that has delivered a refreshed neighbourhood, designed to transform the deprived area into a development that meets the local housing needs.
David Mawson, chief executive of Placefirst, said: “Welsh Streets remains a flagship development that has set a standard for what to expect as we look to continue enhancing communities through the growth of our single-family rental portfolio.”
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 2022 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.
This collection of terraced streets is also part of Beatles folklore having produced Fab Four drummer Ringo Starr, born Richard Starkey. In recent times the area has provided a backdrop for the BBC TV drama Peaky Blinders.
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David Mawson added: “Rooted in the area’s history, the significance of Welsh Streets to the local community and the city of Liverpool cannot be understated.
“Our mission to transform this once-neglected area into a neighbourhood that instils pride and delivers lasting social and economic benefits has driven this ambitious eight-year project.
“As we prepare to welcome residents to the final phase, Welsh Streets stands as a testament to the importance of community-centred development.”