A major new neighbourhood of more than 300 homes could be created close to Liverpool's historic Georgian Quarter and university area.
Housing association Regenda has submitted plans to create a 'new green, diverse and multi-generational neighbourhood' on the site of the Grove Street Estate in Toxteth, close to the Liverpool Women's Hospital. The Grove Street Estate is a purpose built estate of mainly socially rented properties, owned by Liverpool Council, but leased to The Regenda Group.
Under its new plans, Regenda intends to demolish the existing homes on the estate and build six new buildings, ranging from three to nine storeys in height, that will contain 304 new residential units. There are also plans for 368sqm of 'flexible commercial space' as well as parking and landscaping. The development would be known as Grove Place.
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It is also proposed that, as part of the new scheme, Vine Street and Falkner Street are reconnected to improve movement between the development site and the surrounding areas. Both streets were deliberately blocked in the 1990s.
As well as the new housing development, Regenda is proposing to 'reactivate' large pockets of underutilised open space in the area. Section 106 money will contribute towards improving the public realm and streetscape around the homes.
The application states that the proposed building heights will reflect those nearby, with taller buildings to the north of the site and smaller buildings to the south. The developer says this means the buildings will 'fit comfortably' within the existing context of the area.
If approved, the new homes will be made up of 144 social rent apartments, 84 rent to buy apartments, three affordable rent homes, 50 private sector rented properties and 23 homes for private rented sale. In its planning application, Regenda says it has 'high aspirations' for the development. The housing group said it wants to 'create a place and neighbourhood that is the first choice for those looking to live in the area and where everyone is proud to live and work.'
Regenda said it is also keen to 'provide better quality social housing, fit for a Liverpool of the future, and improve the standard of private rented sector properties in the city.' The plans will come before Liverpool Council's Planning Committee tomorrow morning (Tuesday), where members have been advised to give them the green light by planning officers.
