Transformation Group, Torus, is celebrating breaking ground on its landmark redevelopment at Liverpool’s historic Stanley Dock, after receiving planning permission to build 185 apartments and 10 townhouses on its Lightbody Street complex.

Investing over £40 million into the regeneration and redevelopment of the vacant site, Torus, along with contractor Eric Wright, will build a mix of affordable 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments and townhouses on the former industrial site, all of which will be available via Rent to Buy.

Also creating new commercial space within the development, Lightbody Street will add further value to the community by creating opportunities for local businesses to open premises in a world-renowned location.

Marking a new future for the disused, brownfield, former industrial site, representatives from Torus and Eric Wright were joined at Lightbody Street by Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram, Chief Executive of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Katherine Fairclough, Kirkdale Ward Councillor, Joe Hanson and Senior Manager from Homes England, Craig Bradley, who all welcomed the new development in North Liverpool.

Discussing the redevelopment at Lightbody Street, Torus Chief Executive, Steve Coffey, said:

“As a leading investor in new homes in North Liverpool, Torus is incredibly proud of what this development signifies not only for the people of the city, but for the area itself. Lightbody Street is the first residential development of its kind in this part of the city and will provide genuinely affordable housing options in a central location, so I am proud that Torus is leading the way in regenerating a part of the city that has been overlooked.

“I, for one, can’t wait to see the development complete and to see future households and businesses become part of this growth opportunity so close to Liverpool Waters and Bramley Moore Dock. It is great to see the combined efforts of Homes England and the LCR Combined Authority as they invest in this scheme alongside Torus to make it happen.”

The Lightbody Street site has received nearly £3 million from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s £60 million Brownfield Land Fund, which is used for site remediation and other measures required to make previously developed sites ready for development and will enable around 4,500 homes to be built.

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:

“Everyone in our region should be able to access a good quality, affordable home. Developments like this are an investment in all our futures – they help families to realise their home ownership ambitions, give a big boost to local businesses, and help us to retain the very best talent in our region.

“By targeting brownfield sites, we’re transforming once-forgotten areas back into thriving communities – and protecting our precious green spaces too. This is an area that has been crying out for investment for decades and it’s so encouraging to see investors staking a claim in its revival, helping local residents to lay down roots in an area that promises to have a really exciting future ahead of it.”

James Eager, Director of Eric Wright Construction said:

“Eric Wright is proud to have been appointed to deliver this flagship affordable housing scheme for our client, Torus Developments. The site is located in an area that is incredibly significant in the story of Liverpool’s heritage, situated next to Stanley Dock and adjacent to the start of the Leeds Liverpool Canal, which form part of the Maritime Mercantile City World Heritage Site. This development will sensitively repurpose the disused land, to meet the needs of future residents and visitors to the City.”