Leading transformation and regeneration Group, Torus, is celebrating the handover of its first affordable housing scheme in the City of Liverpool since COVID-19 lockdown restrictions were imposed in March 2020.
The £9.5m development, on the site of the former Notre Dame Catholic College, in Everton will make 76 much needed one and two bedroomed homes available for Affordable Rent and Shared Ownership.
At a time when the need for affordable housing has never been greater, the development is contributing to the growth of genuinely accessible housing options in North Liverpool. Indeed, the Group has seen increased interest in Shared Ownership (part buy, part rent) properties which help people get onto the ladder without overstretching themselves financially.
The redevelopment of the former college site was not without its challenges for Torus with two building contractors going into administration during the course of the build. However, the appointment of local construction company, HMS, saw the scheme successfully complete and handover last week.
Chris Bowen, Managing Director of Torus Developments, said: “This is a landmark moment for Torus. The onset of COVID-19 had a massive and immediate impact on our development programme, halting progress on over 30 sites across the North West. Now, it is wonderful to see Notre Dame completed so soon after restrictions have eased. Gradually, our development programme has returned to activity on 95% of our sites and the pace at which Notre Dame has completed is a benchmark for us to aim for elsewhere as our investment in new housing can be a major part of post-COVID-19 economic recovery in the Liverpool City Region.
“Notre Dame is testament to the commitment of our team and partners who have worked tirelessly to complete the development and increase access to safe, high quality, affordable homes. Currently, feeling secure and settled has never been more pertinent and as we all adjust to the ‘new normal’, it’s fantastic to see people have access to more flexible options for secure renting and low cost home ownership at a time when economic conditions are difficult for many.
“Having housing worries is something we’re keen to avoid for our customers in these challenging times.”
John Barrow, Construction Director at HMS, said: “It’s great to be involved in a project like Notre Dame and see the site redeveloped into homes which meet the needs of our communities.
“It’s especially poignant seeing the site completed considering it was in danger of being abandoned by previous contractors who fell into administration, but against the backdrop of COVID-19, it’s great to see life slowly returning to normal and people opening the door to their ‘forever home’.”
The Notre Dame development is part of an ambitious development programme from Torus Developments, which is delivering 1,200 new homes across the Liverpool City Region. The Group is committed to working with local supply chains and contractors, stimulating economic growth and creating sustainable communities.