A terrace of run down Georgian townhouses in Liverpool’s historic Canning neighbourhood is to be restored by local developer Elliot Group following a deal with Liverpool City Council.
The nine properties, which form an L-shape along Percy Street and Upper Parliament Street, have been empty since 2008 when they were last occupied as bedsits. They will now be restored to full family homes in a scheme worth £3.2m.
“We’re better known for dramatic new buildings like our triple towers on Pall Mall,” said Elliot Group director Elliot Lawless, “but I began my career refurbishing historic buildings within the Georgian Quarter so I know how to bring out the best in homes such as these.”
The properties are listed and sit in a conservation area, which imposes strict rules on their refurbishment, says Mr Lawless.
“The rules relate to the exteriors, but the interiors are something of a blank canvas. They were stripped of most of their Georgian features a long time ago when they were converted into bedsits. We’ll restore whatever’s salvageable inside, whilst creating family homes fit for today’s needs.”
Liverpool’s Deputy Mayor, Councillor Ann O’Byrne, said: “These striking period properties have remained unoccupied for too long, and we are delighted to be working in partnership with Elliot Group to make sure they become occupied again and complement the area.
“This is part of our 10 point plan to really drive up the standard, range and quality of homes in Liverpool. We have already brought 1,500 properties back into use over the last couple of years, and have plans for another 2,000 over the next few years.
“The marketing of the properties in Percy Street is a good example of our innovative approach to tackling the problem of long term vacant homes.”
Work is expected to start on site in the winter with the first homes ready for sale in summer 2018.
