Significant progress is being made on Livv Housing Group’s new social rent housing scheme in Kirkby, Merseyside. Situated on the former site of the Farmers Arms pub on Mossborough Drive, this £2.6million development will introduce 20 high quality, cottage-style apartments, providing much-needed affordable housing in the area.
The development will include a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments, each with its own front door at street level. The homes will be spread across two ‘L’-shaped, two-storey buildings, which will surround a central courtyard with parking and communal gardens for residents to enjoy.
All homes will be available for social rent. This scheme is the first social rent project for Livv, made possible by changes to Homes England’s guidance, which now enables grant funding for social rent homes in Knowsley.
Yvonne Westhead-Fyles, Director of Development at Livv Housing Group, commented: “We’re pleased to be moving forward with our new build scheme for social rent at the former Farmers Arms site. At Livv, we’re committed to providing a range of affordable housing options to tackle both the national housing crisis and meet local demand. Social rent plays a key part in this, ensuring that more people have access to high-quality, affordable homes that offer long-term stability.
“The Mossborough Drive development, with its charming cottage-style apartments, will breathe a new lease of life into a site that’s lay dormant for some time. The area is well connected, and with natural surveillance, the new homes will not only add much needed housing but contribute to the regeneration of Kirkby as a thriving community.”
The project is being delivered by Liverpool-based contractor, Built Group Ltd.
David Belcher, Director at Built Group Ltd, said: “This is our first project in Kirkby, and we’re proud to partner with Livv once again following the success of our Moss Green Close development in Page Moss.
“Kirkby is a place that’s full of potential, and the affordable new homes that we’re building will make a massive difference to the area. As a growing local enterprise, we’ve prioritised working with subcontractors from Knowsley, supporting our local economy. We’re making great progress on site and look forward to seeing the positive impact this development will bring to our communities for years to come.”
Livv recently invited Councillor Tony Brennan, Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, and representatives from Homes England to view the progress of the site.
Cllr Tony Brennan, Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, said: “The Mossborough Drive development very much aligns with the priorities within the Council’s Housing Strategy and has regenerated a site that has been a blight on the area for a number of years. We welcome the addition of new quality affordable homes in the borough, particularly one- and two-bedroom properties which are in short supply. This will help meet the demand in the local area and provide a wider choice for new and existing residents.”
Shahi Islam, Director – Affordable Housing Grants at Homes England, added: “One of our key objectives is increasing the supply of quality affordable homes and we are committed to supporting stakeholders of all sizes to achieve their ambitions.
“Mossborough Drive is a prime example of how we work collaboratively with partners like Livv Housing Group to achieve our mission to build much needed, new and affordable homes that people can be proud to call home.”
The Mossborough Drive scheme is due for completion in summer 2025.
For more information about Livv Housing Group visit www.livvhousinggroup.com