Partnership delivers new homes to Knowsley

Knowsley Housing Trust (KHT) has partnered with local construction company Fairtree Homes as part of a drive to support local business.

The two organisations worked on the project to build 10 new homes at Hillingden Avenue in Halewood and the development has been completed several months ahead of schedule.

Craig McKibbin, managing director of Fairtree Homes said: “We have delivered the scheme around three months ahead of schedule, mainly because there has been such a good flow of information from KHT. Whenever we have needed their input, they have given us an answer within 72 hours, which meant we could get on with the job. It has been a superb partnership.”

KHT teamed up with Fairtree Homes as part of its focus on working with local businesses, to help boost the economy and jobs market within Knowsley.

The project also meant Fairtree could take on a new employee from the local area, who is now working full time with the company.

Steve Heverin, KHT operational director of investment, said: “We are a Knowsley-based organisation and we believe it is really important for local companies to work together.

“Fairtree also used local labour and suppliers wherever possible on this project, keeping work in the local area while providing much-needed new homes.”

Initially projected to take just under a year, the project has been completed within eight months. It has received funding of £164,000 from the Homes and Communities Agency along with additional financial support from KMBC.

The properties are six, three-bedroom houses available through a Rent to Buy scheme, and four bungalows of two and three bedrooms, designed specifically for disabled needs. All have been built to Sustainable Homes Code level 3.

The four bungalows were matched with families in need of adapted accommodation from the very beginning, and they were involved throughout the design and build process.

KHT and Fairtree worked closely with them to build the homes to their specific requirements, adding facilities such as shower wet rooms and hoists where needed.

The specific adaptations would normally add considerable cost to a build but the innovative working between the teams meant they were delivered as part of the overall construction cost.

Knowsley Council’s cabinet member for regeneration, economy and skills, Councillor Dave Lonergan, said: “This is a great example of how effective partnership working can bring real benefits to our community. This project supports the council’s vision of improving the housing choice available to local people and, by using a Knowsley business to carry out the work, it has been good news for the local economy and employment.”