Sefton Council has approved the sale of five former school sites, paving the way for around 230 new affordable homes across the borough. The decision was made at a cabinet meeting on Thursday, November 5, as part of the Sefton 2030 initiative, which aims to deliver 1,000 new homes by 2030.
The sites are located in Southport, Netherton, Bootle, and Seaforth, and include Back Forest Road, the former Bootle High School, former Dale Acre School in Harps Croft, former St Raymond's playing fields, and the former Rawson Road School site.
Partnership with The Sovini Group
The council is working in partnership with The Sovini Group to deliver the homes, which are intended to meet the growing demand for affordable housing in Sefton. Proposals for the schemes have been submitted to the council's planning department and will need to be approved before construction can begin.
Residents will have the opportunity to review the proposals and comment before any final decisions are made.
Community benefits and housing demand
Cllr Phil Hart, cabinet member for housing, said: "This approval is an important milestone for Sefton 2030 and demonstrates our commitment to creating opportunities for people and places across the borough. By working with The Sovini Group, we can deliver much-needed affordable homes while also creating jobs, apprenticeships and investment that will benefit local communities for years to come."
Sefton 2030 is expected to bring wider benefits, including apprenticeships, jobs, training opportunities, and support for local businesses through construction and supply chains. The partnership will also support projects that create opportunities for care-experienced young people.
Around 3,000 households are currently registered for housing in the borough, with more than 200 households living in temporary accommodation. Cllr Paulette Lappin, deputy leader of Sefton Council and cabinet member for regeneration, economy, and skills, said: "Alongside new homes, Sefton 2030 is expected to bring wider benefits to communities through apprenticeships, jobs, training opportunities and support for local businesses through construction and supply chains. The partnership will also continue to support projects that strengthen communities and create opportunities for care-experienced young people. Moreover, the council is receiving full market value for the sites in question."
