Dozens of long-term empty homes across Liverpool are to be brought back into use to combat the city’s growing housing need. Work is to get underway on a programme to bring a series of empty properties back into use in Anfield, Edge Hill, Everton North, and Princes Park over the next year.
Liverpool Council is working with Duke Developments to refurbish 52 properties that have stood empty for many years, helping to provide much-needed homes while improving neighbourhoods. 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. Cllr Nick Small, Liverpool Council cabinet member for growth and economy, said the scheme “will not only provide much-needed housing but also improve the appearance of neighbourhoods”.
All of the 52 houses will be fully refurbished with the aim of creating good-quality housing 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.
The programme forms part of Liverpool 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 Small 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.”
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Cllr Hetty Wood, cabinet member for housing, added, “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.”
A spokesperson for Duke Developments said, “We’re proud to be working with Liverpool 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.”
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