If approved, the scheme would provide affordable new homes, community facilities, elderly care accommodation, an eco-park and a new boxing academy

Britain’s former super-middleweight boxing champion, Liverpool’s Paul Smith, has announced plans for a housing-led regeneration project in his home district of Kirkdale.

If approved, the scheme would provide affordable new homes, community facilities, elderly care accommodation, an eco-park and a new boxing academy to be run by Paul and his three brothers, the most successful boxing family in the UK and holders of British, European and world titles. 

The proposed scheme would be sited in a derelict railway cutting and neighbouring canalside that run along Melrose Road and Commercial Road through the heart of Kirkdale.

Early stage

Paul, advised by London-based Lacey Capital Partners, is working with Liverpool City Council’s ethical housing delivery company, Liverpool Foundations Homes, to bring about the plans, labelled Kirkdale Canalside.

“We’re at an early stage but wanted to share our initial thinking with the people of Kirkdale so that they can help shape our ideas,” he said.

“The project would act as a catalyst for wider regeneration and provide much-needed high quality housing at rates affordable to local people. The area has been crying out for new community facilities and these will go beyond boxing in to areas such as fitness, diet, nutrition and wider life skills.”

Consultation events

Almost 3,000 homes and businesses in the area surrounding the site are being leafleted this week to invite residents to two community consultation events at the Gordon Institute on Stanley Road later this month.

“This project is an opportunity for Paul Smith to give back to the people of Kirkdale and represents his love and passion for our community,” explained Cllr Joe Hanson, ward councillor for Kirkdale.”

Liverpool City Council is the sole shareholder of Foundations, which has been set up to improve the availability of good quality, affordable homes in the city. The company is the flagship housing policy for the Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson, who wants to use Foundations to improve the city’s housing stock, revolutionise the Rent to Buy sector and drive up council tax receipts for the council.

Two public consultation events will be held at the Gordon Institute on Stanley Road and residents can pop along to either:

• Friday, May 17, 10am-2pm and 4pm – 6.30pm.
• Saturday, May 18, 10am-4pm.