Work has begun on an £8.7m development delivering 34 new homes for social rent on the site of a former community pub in Huyton, a scheme described as a "blueprint" for tackling the "desperate need" for social housing across Merseyside.
The Boundary Hotel pub on Pilch Lane, known in later years as just The Boundary, was a popular spot after work and busy at weekends. Inside, a jukebox stood by the men's toilets and a pool table was always occupied, while customers could also visit O'Neill's diner sandwich bar for food.
The land where the pub and café once stood has remained empty since the pub was demolished in 2011, characterised in recent times by overgrown grass, faded car park markings, and a broken-up "For Sale" sign attached to the iron railings.
Site vacant for more than 15 years
Previous proposals for the land included a petrol station with a convenience store, but those plans drew more than 100 objections from residents and the application was withdrawn by the planning agent.
After more than 15 years of vacancy and local speculation, the questions over the site's future have now been answered. Developer Torus Housing has partnered with Breck Homes for the construction phase, with the project expected to take two years to complete.
The homes will include air source heat pumps, triple glazing and low energy internal lighting to help tenants save money. Torus is investing £8.7m into the development, including £4.4m from the government's housing and regeneration agency, Homes England.
MP backs scheme as blueprint
Labour MP for West Derby, Ian Byrne, visited the site last week to discuss the importance of affordable new build housing. He said: "There is a desperate need for social housing across Liverpool with more than 14,000 people on the council's housing waiting list including a growing need in the West Derby area."
He added: "Over the next decade, our government has committed to injecting £39bn into the sector nationally to address this increased demand. The development of new high-quality social homes in well-connected areas will be vital to this, and the Pilch Lane development is a real blueprint for how we can regenerate our communities through transforming derelict brownfield sites."
Byrne said the scheme will also create local employment opportunities throughout the construction process, adding he is looking forward to seeing it progress over the coming months.
Mix of homes planned
According to initial planning documents, the site will include 14 one-bed maisonettes, four two-bed homes, 14 three-bed four person homes, one three-bed six person home, and two four-bed six person homes.
The development is part of a wider house-building programme for Torus after it received a £350m grant from Homes England in August. The organisation is looking to increase its newbuild programme from 1,000 new homes a year to 1,800.
Chris Bowen, managing director of Torus Developments, said: "There is huge demand for affordable housing across Merseyside so this scheme will make a big difference especially as all the homes are being offered at Social Rent."
He added: "Many people are really struggling financially but this tenure type will really help them as it is around half the price of private rents in the area. The energy efficiency measures will also play a big role helping tenants reduce their fuel bills."
Bowen said the development epitomises what Torus stands for, noting that as a not-for-profit organisation, it reinvests all profits into new and existing homes as well as helping improve people's lives by developing skills, finding work and including them in the community.
