Hassett Homes starts work on £4.3m Formby scheme as the Liverpool housebuilder moves to acquire four new development sites. Tony McDonough reports
Liverpool housebuilder is set to acquire four new development sites as it starts work on a £4.3m upmarket scheme in Formby.
Hassett, founded by managing director Jamie Blennerhassett, is building nine large family homes in Formby close to the River Alt. In October last year the firm raised funds from Tower Grange Finance as it looked to accelerate its development pipeline.
It is about to complete its Chancery Gate scheme in Eccleston Park in St Helens with all homes sold and buyers moving in. And a third of homes at its Orchard development in Aughton have been reserved after just a week.
Earlier this year Hassett moved into a new head office at Columbus Quay in Liverpool’s south docks to accommodate its growth. It said this week it was in the process of acquiring four new development sites.
It has other schemes on the go in the Liverpool suburb of West Derby and in Northwich, Cheshire. Both are currently with the planning authorities for determination. The company expects to sell 70 units in the next 12 months, a record for the business.
Mr Blennerhassett said: “Key for us is site acquisition and we’re seeing conditions ease a little here, which is helpful. We have four sites under negotiation and, through our funding partner Tower Grange Finance, have the resources to secure more.
“You need the best people to build the best houses. To attract them we must have a convenient, comfortable and efficient base from which to work.”
The new base occupies the top floor of its building and provides 2,000 square feet of offices, meeting space and staff comfort areas. The company’s headcount is now 13, with its new base designed to accommodate its continued expansion. A further five staff will be recruited by the year-end.
“We have recruited four new staff in the last six months and I don’t see that process slowing any,” added Mr Blennerhassett.
“The housing market remains buoyant and well-located and well-designed homes will always perform well. We’ll continue to focus on customer satisfaction and are looking forward with confidence.”