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Huge new homes plan to transform lives in three parts of Liverpool

The ground breaking scheme will deliver hundreds of permanently affordable, community-owned homes across north and south Liverpool

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(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)

A community ownership model is set to "transform" the lives of people living in three parts of Liverpool, delivering hundreds of affordable new homes, creating local jobs, and "leaving a legacy that will benefit generations to come."

The Florrie, the Rotunda and L8 Matters are three community land trust (CLT) organisations currently progressing through Liverpool City Councils (LCC) Community Asset Land Transfer process, bringing each one closer to taking ownership of land sites within its neighbourhoods.

Each organisation hopes to develop social and affordable housing projects, and the agreement of Heads of Terms with LCC, represents a "critical milestone", confirming shared commitment between the council and the CLTs, to bring land into community stewardship for long-term benefit.

L8 Matters Community Land Trust is a community-driven regeneration programme, based in and around Lodge Lane, and said it works to ensure that any new development 'reflects local priorities and delivers lasting social value'.

[Sonia Bassey and Linda Freeman, of L8 Matters Community Land Trust, which is developing plans to regenerate the former site of Lodge Lane Public Baths for the benefit of the Toxteth community]

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Sonia Bassey and Linda Freeman, of L8 Matters Community Land Trust, which is developing plans to regenerate the former site of Lodge Lane Public Baths for the benefit of the Toxteth community(Image: Danny Rigg/Liverpool Echo)

Established in March 2021, the Trust exists to benefit the people who live and work in Liverpool 8 through the delivery of affordable housing, community facilities and economic opportunities.

Working in partnership with a registered housing provider, L8 Matters is bringing forward the first phase of its vision for the former Lodge Lane Baths site, delivering 16 affordable homes comprising a mix of houses and apartments, alongside landscaped open space and gardens.

Its believed this development represents the first step towards the wider ambition for the Lodge Lane Baths Village.

Commenting on the proposed asset transfer of land, founding member and L8 Matters director, Dr Sonia Bassey MBE told the ECHO: "This is a significant milestone for Liverpool 8 and for everyone who has worked tirelessly to keep the vision for Lodge Lane Baths alive.

"Our ambition has always been about much more than housing. We are creating the foundations for a thriving, community-owned neighbourhood where local people can access affordable homes, employment, training, enterprise opportunities and welcoming public spaces.

"The transfer of this land brings us one step closer to making the Lodge Lane Baths Village a reality, ensuring this historic site is transformed into a lasting asset that delivers social and economic benefit for generations to come."

Rotunda Community Land Trust in Kirkdale, is working on its plans to deliver 112 affordable homes, owned and led by the community.

[The Rotunda in Kirkdale pictured Maxine Ennis, CEO of Rotunda Ltd]

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The Rotunda in Kirkdale pictured Maxine Ennis, CEO of Rotunda Ltd(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)

The project is preceded by Rotunda House, a Grade II listed heritage building refurbished by Rotunda CLT, and now serving renewed social purpose as transitional housing and wraparound support for women facing barriers.

Rotunda Ltd CEO, Maxine Ennis, told the ECHO: Reaching agreement with the council on the land transfer is a defining moment for our projects and the city.

"It demonstrates a clear vote of confidence from the council in our ambitions to place Liverpool at the forefront of community-led housing nationally. The CLTs will ensure that the housing built on our sites will be affordable and place the needs of local residents at the heart of the developments.

Additionally, and in another part of the city, The Florrie is working in partnership with The Sovini Group, to progress "one of the most ambitious community-led housing regeneration programmes in Dingle".

Building on The Florrie's long-established role as a trusted community anchor, the development will create 97 high quality affordable homes, new public green spaces, and active travel routes connecting Dingle to Liverpool city centre, and 11 commercial units.

Responding to the news, the CEO at The Florrie Community Land Trust, Anne Lundon told us: "Our Community Land Trust scheme, Destination Dingle, is the catalyst for more than 20m of community-led regeneration.

"It's about bringing together ambitious regeneration with community wealth building, making sure our members and local people don't just benefit from change, they lead it, shape it and have a genuine stake in its future.

"By bringing land into community ownership, we're building wealth from the ground up and keeping the benefits within our community.

[Ian Mitchell (Managing Director of The Sovini Group), and Anne Lundon (CEO of the Florrie), celebrate the land transfer on Mill Street.]

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Ian Mitchell (Managing Director of The Sovini Group), and Anne Lundon (CEO of the Florrie), celebrate the land transfer on Mill Street.(Image: Andy Teebay)

"The development of 97 new affordable homes, thriving workspaces, dedicated public courtyards, green open spaces and enhanced local connectivity with new cycle routes into the city centre will create new opportunities for local families, businesses and young people, leaving a legacy that will benefit generations to come.

"We have an excellent working partnership with our developers and housing managers The Sovini group who share our values around creating opportunities and changing lives and our partnership will prove to be a catalyst for how community led housing delivers transformational change and a sustainable solution for affordable and quality local housing."

According to the Liverpool Community Led Housing Collective, of which each CLT belongs, the schemes will collectively deliver 225 permanently affordable, community-owned homes across north and south Liverpool, providing, "long-term community stewardship of land and assets, locally designed housing reflecting neighbourhood priorities, and increased community control over development and regeneration."

These sentiments were shared by Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration, Councillor Graham Morgan, said: This programme shows whats possible when local organisations, residents and partners work together with a shared vision for long-term community benefit.

"By placing land into community stewardship, we are not only delivering much-needed affordable homes, but also creating stronger, more resilient neighbourhoods where local people have a genuine stake in shaping their future.

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