Knowsley Housing Trust bring derelict flats back to life

Knowsley Housing Trust (KHT), part of the First Ark Group, has transformed 48 derelict flats into 32 modern two-bedroom homes.

The flats in Wood Road, Halewood, had been in need of renovation and several properties were already empty when work began in April last year.

The properties have been fitted with new kitchens, new heating, internal doors and external insulation, have been completely redecorated, and the communal areas have been upgraded and fitted with CCTV.

Ian Thomson, KHT executive director of asset management, said: “These homes were in need of improvement and the surrounding environment was poor.

“This work has brought back into use those that were empty and upgraded them to a very high standard, so they can be comfortable homes within an enhanced environment once again.”

KHT invested £2million in the project, funded from savings it had made on its original Decent Homes Programme of property upgrades.

A block of 12 of the flats were demolished to enhance the external environment of the remaining homes.

New off-street parking and major environmental improvements were also completed offering tenants new secure parking and individual garden areas for ground floor flats. The roofs were fitted with PV Panels to provide energy efficient lighting for communal areas.

The existing residents were moved between the flats during the work until their new home was complete. The properties have now all been filled.