Build-to-Rent plans submitted for Liverpool’s Welsh Streets regeneration

Placefirst has submitted plans for 52 new build homes as part of the regeneration of Liverpool’s Welsh Streets.

The £8m proposals include a mix of 1/2/3/4-bedroom houses, which will be put on the private rental market.

Their wider masterplan includes 299 new homes and the refurbishment of over 300 Victorian terraced properties.

The streets were built in the 1870s to house Welsh workers in the city but many of the Victorian properties have been derelict for decades. In 2005 they were condemned for demolition under New Labour’s controversial Pathfinder scheme.

In a statement, the property firm said the new homes have been designed to create a ‘modern, complementary’ contrast with the Victorian terraces and use a ‘palette’ of materials that ensure a consistent streetscape design across The Welsh Streets.

David Smith-Milne, managing director of Placefirst said: ‘These new designs for Welsh Streets will make a great contribution to the ongoing regeneration of this historic neighbourhood, and offer even more people a genuine alternative to volume housebuilder solutions that are increasingly homogenous and devoid of any genuine placemaking.

‘At a time when Build-to-Rent is largely characterised by small, urban apartments aimed at the young, and ownership starter-homes offer little other that small, identikit houses disconnected from established communities, Placefirst are creating aspirational, larger and architecturally exciting homes and leading the way in housing can be exciting and interesting once again.’

‘Families with children make up the largest section of the private rented sector, yet very few are benefitting from the market clamour to Build-to-Rent. We are proud of our award-winning track record in Build-to-Rent communities and these new properties will offer long-term and secure residencies for their new occupiers when they become available in early 2020.’

Subject to planning approval, Placefirst hopes building work will start by Summer 2019.