New start for Stonebridge Cross
Liverpool City Council is clearing up Stonebridge Cross.
All properties on the estate, which had been prone to vandalism, arson and anti-social behaviour, will now be demolished by the end of the month.
All residents have now relocated from the Gillmoss site after the council spent nearly £2 million pounds acquiring the remaining properties and plans to spend even more money tidying up the area.
Warren Bradley, leader of Liverpool City Council, said:
"I went out to visit residents of Stonebridge Cross in June last year and I promised them that we would find a way to improve their circumstances. I'm delighted that we are now delivering on that promise. It means an end to those residents suffering from uncertainty and anti-social behaviour.
"The site will be cleared up for the rest of our capital of culture year and we will maintain it while the area is developed."
Council environmental enforcement officers have also targeted the area to catch a number of 'prolific' fly-tippers who travelled along the nearby East Lancashire Road to illegally dump trade waste at the site.
The City Council has been working with David McLean Homes since 2002 to bring forward a major redevelopment proposal for the Stonebridge Cross area.
An original proposal to provide a large Tesco store and other retail facilities has been amended with the emphasis now on providing new homes for the area.
Terms have been provisionally agreed with David McLean Homes to develop out the site in three phases. Phase 1a and 1b (which includes the former playing field to Croxteth County primary school and land at Cockerham Way/Preesall Way) will be developed for housing with a new 5-aside football facility within phase 1b. Phase 2 (including land at Shard Close and Hambleton Way) will provide a mixture of retail, commercial and community uses such as a crèche and local library.
The new housing will include 196 apartments, 69 town houses, 255 family houses and 32 social rented properties.
Liverpool's executive member for housing and neighbourhoods Councillor Marilyn Fielding said:
"Liverpool is building for a better tomorrow. We are getting rid of unsuitable and unwanted housing and recreating communities that are safe, secure and which offer a range of housing to suit all needs, and all pockets.
"We aim to work in partnership with communities and help them fulfil their dreams for a new future by working with our partners to meet the needs and aspirations of all our citizens."
The housing scheme is situated just a stones throw from the New Stonebridge Park which offers businesses accommodation within an environmental scheme incorporating a sustainable wetland drainage system, flood storage and an ecological habitat which could support a population of water voles and red squirrels.
(Released: 25/03/08)