Member Article

Multi-million pound Prescot housing scheme begins

Manchester-based Harbur Construction has started work on a new multi-million pound extra care housing scheme in Prescot.

The 70-unit development will be on the site of the former 6.75 acre site of the historic Lancashire Watch Company on Albany Road.

Based on Albany Road, the Lancashire Watch Company closed its doors in 1910.

The Grade II listed factory building will be converted into 54 extra care apartments while an additional 16 extra care bungalows will be built on site.

Harbur is building the properties on behalf of Liverpool-based developer Iliad Group for Knowsley Housing Trust (KHT) which will make the homes available for affordable rent and shared ownership.

Manchester-based Formroom Architects has designed the scheme which is part of a two-phase masterplan that will revitalise the area. A further 62 residential properties will be built on site in the future.

Managing director at Harbur Construction, Christian Bury, said: “The one and two bedroom apartments will transform the historical site into a thriving community in an area where demand for this type of housing is high.

“The new homes are being built in keeping with the site’s rich heritage while providing modern living facilities to help elderly and disabled people live independently.”

Communications manager at Iliad Group,Ryan Cullen, said: “We are delighted to be working closely with Knowsley Housing Trust, Harbur Construction and Formroom on this interesting new scheme.

“Prescot Watch Factory is of great significance to the historic fabric of Knowsley, with this Grade II listed building playing a key role in the industrial growth of the region.

“To be instrumental in collaboratively bringing the building back to life is exciting.”

The new development is expected to be completed April 2016.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sophia Taha .