Eight tenants are settling into their new homes this week as South Liverpool Homes (SLH) hands over a brand-new development in Speke.
The eight one-bedroom apartments, available for social rent and designed specifically for people aged 55 and over, have been built on Western Avenue, replacing a longstanding derelict building that had become an eyesore in one of the main gateway routes into Speke.
The development provides high-quality, energy-efficient homes that have been designed to support people to live independently for longer. Features include lift access and level-access shower facilities, helping to meet the changing needs of older residents.
The completion of the scheme marks another milestone in SLH's commitment to providing much-needed affordable homes while regenerating underused and neglected sites across south Liverpool.
"As well as providing eight much-needed homes for social rent, we've improved the appearance of a prominent gateway into Speke and created homes that are designed to support people to live independently and comfortably for years to come."
- Michael Pearmain, South Liverpool Homes Development Project Manager
Michael Pearmain, Development Project Manager at South Liverpool Homes (pictured above left), said:
"It's fantastic to see our new tenants receiving the keys to their homes and starting the next chapter of their lives at Western Avenue.
"This development has transformed a site that had been vacant and deteriorating for many years into something the community can be proud of. As well as providing eight much-needed homes for social rent, we've improved the appearance of a prominent gateway into Speke and created homes that are designed to support people to live independently and comfortably for years to come.
"Seeing people move in is always the most rewarding part of any development project, because it's when all the hard work becomes a real home for someone."
“I fell in love with it. Just the openness, the airiness, the view. All the colours they picked – they're all colours that I would pick."
- Sharon, new tenant at Western Avenue
For Joanne, moving into her new home at Western Avenue means more than simply changing address. It means staying close to the family and community she loves, while gaining a home that will make everyday life easier and more comfortable.
"It's going to be massive, especially with my knees because of the lift. I don't have to walk up and down the stairs all the time. It's all on the one floor," said Joanne.
"I've got my son around the corner and my dad around the corner, so everyone is close by."
For Sharon, moving into Western Avenue represents a fresh start in a home designed to help her live independently and enjoy life to the fullest. Having previously lived in south Liverpool, she is looking forward to reconnecting with the community she has missed.
“I didn't realise how much until I came back here. This feels more like home than where I'm at now," said Sharon.
"I just absolutely cannot wait. I've been dreaming about this.
“I fell in love with it. Just the openness, the airiness, the view. All the colours they picked – they're all colours that I would pick."
The new apartments form part of South Liverpool Homes' wider programme to deliver hundreds of much-needed affordable homes across Speke and Garston, helping to meet local housing need while bringing disused sites back into productive use.
