In 2017 a huge gas explosion, caused by a criminal act, ripped through New Ferry in Wirral destroying multiple buildings – now tenants have moved in to the first of 70 homes being built on the site. Tony McDonough reports
Eight years after it was devastated by a huge gas explosion the Wirral district of New Ferry has seen the tenants move into the first of 70 new homes.
On a Saturday evening in March 2017, a huge gas explosion ripped through the district. It destroyed buildings, including Griffiths the Butcher and Chinese restaurant Lan’s House, and injured more than 80 people.
The blast could be heard several miles away and it was a miracle no one was killed. In October 2019, furniture shop owner Pascal Blasio was jailed for 20 years for causing the blast in a botched attempt to claim £50,000 insurance.
Although progress to renew the area initially moved slowly the regeneration effort, led by Wirral Council, work has since gathered pace and the first of 34 of a planned 70 homes have now been completed and the first tenants have moved in.
Affordable housing group Regenda and its construction arm M&Y have completed phase one which includes 34 one and two bedroom apartments, built across two sites on Bebington Road and Boundary Road.
These first homes are for affordable rent with Regenda Homes. 12 residents have now moved in, and all 14 homes on site B have been allocated.
Site C, on Bebington Road, will offer 20 Rent to Buy one and two-bedroom apartments, which will be available through Redwing, part of The Regenda Group, later this year. This will mark the completion of phase 1, with work on phase 2 due to then get underway.
Lauren Huggon, project manager for New Ferry, The Regenda Group, said: “Delivering high-quality, affordable homes in New Ferry is a critical part of revitalising the town and building a sense of place and community.
“It’s fantastic to see the new residents now moving in and getting to know each other, as well as the progress being made on the wider scheme – it’s the first of many milestones to come. It’s a real joy to welcome our first residents into their beautiful new homes.”
READ MORE: Councillors approve Liverpool student development
Alongside the new housing being brought forward, significant improvements are also planned for the Bebington Road area.
Almost £5.5m of funding is in place to deliver a scheme of public realm improvements that will address road safety concerns and anti-social behaviour issues. This will include spaces with greenery, new paved areas, new seating and traffic calming measures.