MERSEYSIDE’S massive housing renewal scheme has seen the first families move into their new homes.
The Clevedon Park development in Toxteth is the first of the government’s housing market renewal projects to hand over keys to new residents.
Clevedon Park, off Byles Street, provides 107 new homes, including shared ownership schemes where people can buy up to 75% of the property.
Of the 45 homes available for outright sale, almost all have gone to families already living in the area.
Among the first to move in were Mary and Steven Graham, who had previously lived in Kinmel Street in the Welsh Streets.
They bought a three-bedroom property at Clevedon Park to share with children Andrew and Gillian, dog Rolo and Fly the rabbit.
Mrs Graham said: “I was keen to stay in this area having spent the last 26 years in Kinmel Street and it was important to keep my children in their current schools.
“It is also great that we kept the community together as so many of my friends from the Welsh Streets have moved to this development and my children's friends are all still here.
“My brother has also bought a new house at Clevedon Park.”
The development was a partnership between Gleeson Homes, Liverpool city council, the Housing Corporation and NewHeartlands.
Mrs Graham said: “We never had a back garden when we lived in Kinmel Street, so we’re looking forward to next summer when we can have a barbecue.”
Another new resident is Marie Harris, who has come home by moving to Clevedon Park.
She said: “I lived in Gwydir Street in the Welsh Streets for 27 years and, knowing I was born and raised in Byles Street, my husband surprised me by reserving a new home at Clevedon Park.
“I am back on the street where I grew up and it is great that so many of my friends have moved with me.
“I am also looking forward to having a driveway and a garden in an area I was keen to stay in.”
Janet Sheridan, Gleeson sales director, added: “Clevedon Park was designed with the aim of providing good quality, well designed and affordable housing for local people wanting to stay in the area.
“The fact that nearly all our sales were to people from this area is particularly pleasing proving that an existing community can be kept together.”
All the properties at Clevedon Park have now been reserved and Gleeson will soon be starting work on its next new development in Toxteth, located off Northumberland Street.
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