Multi-million pound scheme in Bootle, Merseyside complete

Keepmoat gathered with partners last week to celebrate the completion of a £2m scheme comprising new retail accommodation and apartments in Bootle.

Stakeholders congregated with Keepmoat at Stanley Road to celebrate the official completion that has successfully transformed and regenerated the area and provides up to three retail units and 12 two-bedroom apartments.

The new development has been delivered by Keepmoat in partnership with Sefton Council through its Housing Market Renewal programme and Cosmopolitan Housing Group as the end user.

The retail units are available to occupiers hoping to take advantage of 5,597 sq ft of retail space that meets modern trading requirements and offers a secure private servicing area to the rear of the building. The space is flexible and can be occupied as one large retail unit, or subdivided into two or three smaller units ranging from 1,577 sq ft up to 5,597 sq ft in size. The units are available for sale or for rent.

The 12 apartments have been pre-sold by Keepmoat to Merseyside-based Cosmopolitan Housing Association. They will help to boost the supply of good quality affordable rented homes for local people.

In addition, Keepmoat Homes is currently on site in the nearby area developing new housing that, when complete, will provide more than 300 residential units.

The apartments have achieved level 3 under the Code for Sustainable Homes and the retail accommodation has secured a BREEAM rating of Very Good.

The building has been designed by local architecture practice, John McCall Architects. North West based construction firm Seddon Construction Limited were appointed by Keepmoat as the main contractor to undertake the building work on site.

The scheme has been funded by Keepmoat as the developer, with contributions from Sefton Council and investment of £720,000 from the Homes and Communities Agency’s (HCA) National Affordable Housing Programme. 

Richard Jones, Area Manager for the HCA, said:

“It is great to see first hand the positive impact that our investment is having in Bootle by increasing the provision of affordable homes for local people. Through the dedication and hard work of all partners involved, these new homes will make an important contribution to the vitality of the area.”  

Cllr Ian Maher, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing, said:

“This fantastic scheme represents a high quality modern take on the 'living over the shop' approach. The scheme has set the bar high for future investment in this part of Stanley Road that will hopefully be replicated in future developments to ensure that this important corridor remains vibrant.”

Martin Hodgson, Head of Property at Keepmoat Ltd., said:

“Keepmoat is delighted to have worked with Sefton MBC and partners to develop a flagship building for the area. It is hoped that the new building will act as a catalyst for additional regeneration on the Stanley Road corridor which provides an important gateway into Bootle.”

Dave Griffiths, Group Development Director at Cosmopolitan Housing Group said:

“Cosmopolitan has been working with Sefton Council and the Evolve partnership for several years now, helping to replace unsuitable poor housing with modern, energy efficient homes for rent. This latest scheme is another significant boost to Bootle’s regeneration and we are pleased to see the scheme fully occupied and to hear the positive comments from residents about their new homes.” 

Father of three Billy Allibone, 31, who is a Cosmopolitan Housing tenant, added:

“I wasn’t 100% sure about an apartment, I like to have my own front door but here there’s a communal entrance and then another door into my own flat which is good. The apartments look superb and everything has been done to a high standard. There’s even a decking and garden area with some greenery and benches. I’m very pleased with it.”

From left to right, image shows:

Keepmoat’s Development Manager, Simon Gillott
HCA Area Manager, Richard Jones
Keepmoat’s Head of Property, Martin Hodgson