One thousand new homes are to be built in one part of Merseyside, and will include wider plans to create job and training opportunities for local residents, according to Sefton Council
The council's cabinet members approved a report on the future of Sandway Homes and evaluate its performance. Councillors were told no more housing projects are planned for Sefton Council's flagship housing company, as it nears completion of its latest development.
Sandway Homes is the local authority's housebuilding arm and was founded in 2019. Over the course of six years, the company has delivered a total of 31 affordable homes for rent and low cost home ownership in Sefton.
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Sandway's latest project, at Buckley Hill Lane, Netherton, is nearing completion and will deliver a further 63 homes. From early 2026, 18 of these homes will form part of Sefton's council first housing stock since 2006.
On December 1, Sovini announced a partnership with Sefton Council as part the Sefton Home 2030 scheme which has committed to delivering 1,000 new social and affordable homes in the borough by 2030. The initiative will make use of council-owned land, including former school and community sites, along with The Sovini Group's development pipeline.
According to Sovini, the first stage of delivery will see approximately 400 homes built across eight sites in Bootle, Southport, Netherton, Seaforth and Formby. The group also confirmed work is already underway for plans to develop an additional 600 homes.
At a Bootle Town Hall meeting on December 4, Sefton Council's executive director (Place), Stephen Watson presented the report and a business update from Sandway Homes, he said: "While there's no new sites, or proposed developments at this time by Sandway Homes, the report touches on the wider housing strategy for the council.
"The Sovini partnership that was approved by cabinet in November, which will deliver more than 1000 new homes across the borough by 2030. This sits alongside direct delivery of council housing, market-led delivery of new build, affordable homes, delivery by registered providers of new affordable homes across the borough as well.
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"In addition to the homes that Sandway has and is delivering across Sefton, the business has contributed millions to the local economy in that time, as well as significant local employment opportunities."
Responding to Mr Watson's presentation, Cllr Paulette Lappin said: "It's the beginning of our journey in relation to making sure we have homes for our residents and it's good for the local economy."
Speaking about the Sovini partnership at the time of the announcement, Councillor Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council, said: "This partnership is about more than just building homes, it's about building futures.
"There is a huge need for affordable housing in Sefton and by addressing that problem it will get people out of temporary accommodation and into safe, healthy homes that will improve their quality of life. At the same time, it will reduce the costs to the Council for expensive temporary accommodation.
"We are committed to ensuring that every development delivers real value for our residents, with not just affordable housing but also jobs and training opportunities for local people."