Work has begun on a project to replace an iconic pub with affordable, "high quality" housing for a Wirral community.
Groundbreaking has begun at the Dell site in Prenton, with the entire scheme set to create 28 apartments on Prenton Dell Road, also creating local jobs for the community.
The scheme was the subject of controversy when it went to Wirral Council's planning committee last month, when fierce opposition from residents warned the plans could put livelihoods at risk.
Read more about what happened at the planning meeting here.
But relations between developer Crossfield and the local community are believed to have "improved significantly" over recent weeks, with the firm supporting the community to buy new planters for an ‘in-bloom’ event.
David Cain, Director at Crossfield Group, says: “We are delighted to be working in the Prenton Community to deliver these homes.
"Not only will they offer excellent quality housing but also contribute positively to the local area as we create new jobs and support local community projects as part of Crossfield’s commitment to being a good neighbour and considerate constructor.
“We know just how acute the need is for quality housing on the Wirral, particularly affordable homes for rent and so we are very proud to be able to partner with Onward to deliver these apartments for local people.”
He said the development will provide much-needed affordable housing in the area – as identified in the council’s housing strategy for 2020.
Crossfield has stated its commitment to "ensuring that the development delivers benefits to the local Prenton community".
As well as the flats, the site will contain a car park on the site of the Dell Pub.
A spokeswoman said that includes employing local people on site, delivering educational sessions for schools and improving local public spaces and supporting community groups.
She said the firm is also part of the national Considerate Constructors scheme, meaning it is committed to caring about the appearance of the site, respecting the local community, protecting the environment and operating a safe and secure site.
Each of the homes in the development has its own dedicated parking space and seven will be for the elderly and people with mobility issues, with level access throughout and walk-in shower facilities.
Every property will be managed by a Safer Neighbourhoods Team and there will be stringent tenancy agreements in place.
Lin Powell, Head of Development at Onward, says: “The scheme for 28 two bedroom apartments at Prenton Dell is part of our ongoing commitment to developing affordable homes in Wirral and is an example of successful partnering between Onward, Crossfield, Homes England and Wirral Borough Council.”
Victoria Alderton from Wirral-based architects Paddock Johnson designed the scheme, and said: “The plans for these homes have been very carefully considered in order to create apartments that are affordable, appealing and welcoming to buyers and at the same time minimise the impact of the building on neighbouring properties.
“Through the design we have made the greatest possible distance between the new apartments and the existing properties on Dickens Avenue whilst at the same time maintaining the same building line on Prenton Hall Road. The height of the development will also match the heights of the four storey buildings on either side of it, so it’s very much in keeping with the area.”
