Affordable homes provider Livv Housing Group completes £35m Liverpool city region development comprising 191 homes at former watch factory site. Tony McDonough reports
Livv Housing Group has cut the ribbon on phase two of its £35m redevelopment of a former watch factory site in Prescot.
In 2018 Livv turned the former factory itself, a Grade-II listed building that was completed in 1889, into an extra care facility phase one of the project. That includes 54 apartments for rent and 16 bungalows.
Now Livv has delivered phase two which comprises 191 affordable homes on nearby derelict land. They include 80 two, three, and four-bedroom houses, eight one and two-bedroom bungalows, and 103 one and two-bedroom apartments across three blocks.
This mixed-tenure scheme includes homes for affordable rent, shared ownership and rent to buy. It is aimed at first-time buyers and families to those looking to downsize or live independently with access to support.
The Clockwork Court apartment block is specifically designed for extra care, while Watchmaker Court and the bungalows offer Inspired Living Shared Ownership for elderly people.
Main contractor Vistry Partnerships built phase two and the project secured the backing of Liverpool City Region Combined Authority as well as a £9.3m grant from Homes England. Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram was among those at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
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Yvonne Westhead-Fyles, director of development at Livv Housing Group, said: “The Watchfactory Phase Two is our largest project to date, and we’re so proud to see it come to fruition.
“The new homes are stunning and by offering such variety, we’re creating a truly inclusive and intergenerational community, bringing together people at all stages of life – the true focus of this scheme.
“Prescot is undergoing an exciting transformation, and our new development plays a key role in that regeneration, helping to meet the growing demand for affordable housing in the area.”
Mr Rotheram added: “Developments such as this are absolutely crucial for our region’s future. Not only are they helping to regenerate areas like Prescot, they’re also providing much-needed, high-quality affordable housing for local people.
“By delivering a mix of homes for affordable rent, shared ownership, and rent to buy, this scheme is ensuring that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to find a place they can call home.”