Work is set to begin on a programme to bring long-term empty homes back into use in Anfield, Edge Hill, Everton North and Princes Park over the next year.
Liverpool City Council is working with Duke Developments, a south Liverpool based local company, to refurbish 52 properties that have stood empty for many years, helping to provide much-needed homes while improving neighbourhoods.
The first phase of the programme will start in Anfield and move into Edge Hill over the coming months as part of a wider plan to bring vacant housing back into use across the city.
Most of the homes included in the programme have been empty for more than 20 years and require significant repair and improvement. Around a fifth are affected by serious structural issues, making refurbishment essential before they can be lived in again.
The works will see all the houses fully refurbished with the aim of creating good-quality housing for local people while supporting wider regeneration plans in the area.
Some of the refurbished homes will be advertised through Property Pool Plus, giving people on Liverpool’s housing register the opportunity to apply for them through the normal allocations process.
This means homes that have stood empty for many years will once again provide safe, secure accommodation for local people in housing need, helping to reduce waiting lists while bringing neglected properties back into productive use.
The programme forms part of the Council’s wider approach to tackling housing need and reducing the number of long-term empty properties. Once complete, the homes will provide a mix of housing options, including accommodation to support people currently on the housing waiting list.
Residents of neighbouring properties have been contacted directly with information about when the works will happen and any disruption will be minimised.
Cllr Hetty Wood, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “We are determined to bring empty homes back into use and make the most of the housing we already have across the city.
“These are properties that have stood empty for many years and, in many cases, have fallen into a very poor condition. By refurbishing them, we can provide high-quality homes for people who need them while also improving the look and feel of our neighbourhoods.”
“This first phase is an important step in a wider programme that will see dozens of long-term empty homes given a new lease of life, supporting our work to tackle housing need and strengthen communities.”
Cllr Nick Small, Cabinet Member for Growth and Economy, said: “Bringing long-term empty homes back into use is an important part of our wider regeneration ambitions for Liverpool. These properties have stood vacant for many years, but through investment and partnership working we can turn them into quality homes that support local people and help strengthen communities.
“This programme will not only provide much-needed housing but also improve the appearance of neighbourhoods, encourage further investment and help ensure that empty buildings once again make a positive contribution to the local area.”
Cllr Portia Fahey, Ward Councillor for Everton North, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to see this transformation in our community. I hope to see this restoration continue throughout the neighbourhood and bring a new lease of life to Everton North.
“Refurbishing these homes will help improve local streets, reduce the impact of long-term vacant properties and create new housing opportunities for families who want to live in our community. I look forward to seeing these homes transformed and occupied once again.”
A spokesperson for Duke Developments said: “We’re proud to be working with Liverpool City Council on a project that will bring homes that have been empty for many years back into use.
“Some of these properties require significant investment and extensive refurbishment, but we believe it’s important to preserve and improve existing homes wherever possible rather than allowing them to remain vacant and deteriorate further.
“As a Liverpool-based business, it’s particularly rewarding for us to be investing in communities across the city and delivering good-quality homes that local people can be proud to live in.
“We’re looking forward to getting work underway and seeing the first homes completed and occupied.”
