A major £35m housing development in Merseyside has reached completion, bringing 191 new homes to the area. Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram has officially opened the site, which is the second phase of Livv Housing Group's project at The Watchfactory in Prescot.
The development features a mix of properties, including 80 two, three and four-bedroom houses, eight one and two-bedroom bungalows, and 103 one and two-bedroom apartments across three blocks. The scheme, built on former derelict land, now offers a range of tenure options, including affordable rent, shared ownership, and rent-to-buy.
The project was delivered by Vistry Partnerships, with £9.3m in grant funding from Homes England. Yvonne Westhead-Fyles, Director of Development at Livv Housing Group, said: "The new homes are stunning and by offering such variety, we're creating a truly inclusive and intergenerational community, bringing together people at all stages of life – the true focus of this scheme."
The development includes the Clockwork Court apartment block, designed for extra care, and Watchmaker Court and the bungalows, which offer 'Inspired Living', a shared ownership program allowing buyers to purchase a share of a new home.
The development encircles the original Grade II-listed Watch Factory building, which Livv Housing Group transformed into an extra care facility during the first phase in 2018. The new residents of phase two will benefit from communal amenities such as a bistro and beauty salon, reports .
Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram attended the event to celebrate the completion of the Watchfactory's second phase and said: "Developments like this are absolutely crucial for our region's future.
"Not only are they helping to regenerate areas like Prescot, they're also providing much-needed, high-quality affordable housing for local people."
Leader of Knowsley Council, Graham Morgan, said: "This fantastic development further enhances the real variety of affordable housing options in the borough.
"In addition to homes that will enable residents to live independently for longer, phase two of the development also provides properties that will be ideal for first-time buyers and families. What's been delivered will help support a thriving, diverse community."
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