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The external walls and roofs of new homes being built in West Kirby are being constructed off site, cutting the time taken to complete the development.
Sandbank Point on Banks Road will feature a mix of two and three bedroom properties for private and social rent.
Social housing provider Magenta Living is working with Wirral-based developers, Starship. They pre-manufacture the external walls and roofs at their Wirral Waters factory, which the company says "reduces waste, speed up build time and minimise disruption for neighbours to the development site".
Andy Lomas, Chief Executive Officer at Magenta Living said: “Sandbank Point marks an exciting new chapter for Magenta Living as we add fourteen new high-quality, energy-efficient homes in the heart of West Kirby.
"We’re proud to work with Starship on a development that reflects our commitment to building sustainable, future‑ready homes, whilst at the same time supporting the City Region’s commitment to affordable housing.”
The work brings to an end a ten year saga which saw three planning applications turned down before an inspector gave the scheme the go-ahead following an appeal hearing in 2020.
The site was cleared in 2023 in preparation for development - but then last year, the social housing provider put the land up for auction with a view, telling West Kirby Today they had decided to dispose of the site and use the proceeds to find other housing schemes.
However it was not sold and the project has now secured grant funding from Homes England as part of the Government’s new Social and Affordable Homes Programme (SAHP).
Cllr Paula Basnett, Leader of Wirral Council, said: “This is exactly what we mean when we talk about working together in Wirral: a local housing association in Magenta, a local developer in Starship and a joint commitment to delivering more affordable, sustainable homes for our communities.
"The progress we can see on site in West Kirby really brings this to life – high quality new homes, being built quickly and with minimal disruption, that will help local people stay close to the places and people that matter to them.”
Adam Costello, member of Magenta Customer and Communities Committee and West Kirby resident, shared: “We wholeheartedly welcome the creation of affordable homes in West Kirby.
"Ensuring that local people have access to homes they can truly afford means families can remain close, friends can support one another, and those who have grown up here won't have to leave the community they love. It's about giving everyone the chance to build their future right where their roots are.”
Chris Dodd, Director at Starship said: “We’re delighted to partner with Magenta Living on Sandbank Point, delivering homes that set a new standard for energy efficiency in West Kirby.
"Our team is committed to using innovative construction methods to ensure these properties are not only sustainable but also built with the needs of local residents in mind.”
Completion is expected by March 2027.
