Onward makes waves with social rent homes in Seacombe
Onward Homes has completed its first new social rent homes in more than 10 years, through a partnership with local SME housebuilder Kingsmead Homes.
Ferry Court, a modern apartment building designed by DK Architects next door to Seacombe Ferry terminal in Wallasey, welcomed new residents earlier this month. All 28 apartments have been made available to local people through social rent, improving both the quality and choice of affordable housing in this part of the Wirral.
The mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments span four storeys at Ferry Court, with many homes offering views across the Mersey estuary to Liverpool. Landscaping and undercroft parking have also been included as part of the development works, which began in April 2022.
Funding for Ferry Court has been delivered through Onward’s Strategic Partnership with Homes England, which will help us build 5,000 new homes by 2030.
Stephen Heverin, Director of Growth & Regeneration at Onward, said: “Ferry Court is a really striking building in a prime Wirral location, with fantastic views on offer to residents. We’re delighted to be able to offer these much-needed homes to local people at social rents.
“As an organisation committed to spending our Northern Pound more effectively, it’s satisfying to complete yet another project with local contractor Kingsmead Homes. Our local partners have a wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise, which is always a great benefit.”
Marc Cole, Interim Director of Regeneration & Place at Wirral Council, said: “Onward Homes has delivered a quality social rented housing scheme that will act as a key gateway to Wirral Council’s wider regeneration plans for the Seacombe Corridor and is a welcome addition to affordable housing provision in Wirral.”
Onward has worked with Sefton-based SME housebuilder Kingsmead Homes for more than 16 years, on a range of affordable housing developments across the Liverpool City Region.
Craig McKibbin, Managing Director at Kingsmead Homes, said: “I have never seen such amazement on customers’ faces as they moved into their new homes, with a cruise liner passing by their lounge window. Developments like this stay with you for your whole career and we look forward to our next partnership scheme with Onward.”
Elsewhere on the Wirral, Onward has started work on 13 carbon zero homes at Greenleas Close with modular housebuilder Starship Group, while a new partnership with construction giants Lovell will see 66 affordable homes built on the former site of Foxfield Primary School.