Cobalt welcomed housing leaders from across the North this week as part of Renew, the Northern Housing Consortium’s regeneration inquiry, showcasing the long-term transformation of the Stonedale Estate in Croxteth.
The visit formed part of a wider tour of regeneration schemes across the Liverpool City Region, including projects in Runcorn and North Liverpool, giving delegates the opportunity to see first-hand the role housing associations play in driving place-based regeneration.
During the visit to Stonedale, delegates heard how Cobalt has worked alongside customers and partners to transform an estate into a thriving neighbourhood.
The regeneration programme has already delivered new homes through developments at Altbridge Park and Waterdale Gardens, with a further 70 affordable homes now progressing in the latest phase. Overall, the programme represents £46.8 million of investment and will deliver 221 homes alongside significant environmental and public realm improvements.
The tour highlighted the strong demand for affordable housing in Croxteth. Alongside social rent homes, Cobalt has introduced shared ownership, Rent to Buy and market rent options to increase housing choice.
Claire Griffiths, Chief Executive of Cobalt Housing and Chair of Liverpool City Region Housing Associations, said:
“We were delighted to welcome colleagues from across the North to see the progress being made at Stonedale and hear the story behind this regeneration journey.
“Stonedale is a powerful example of what housing associations can achieve when they make a long-term commitment to people and place. This transformation has taken years of planning, investment and partnership working, but the impact is clear to see.
“Importantly, the project demonstrates that regeneration is about much more than building new homes. It requires sustained investment in communities, public spaces and infrastructure, as well as the patience and determination to see through long-term change.
“The demand we’re seeing for affordable homes, whether social rent, shared ownership or Rent to Buy, shows just how important it is that housing associations can continue investing in regeneration.”
Renew is exploring how regeneration can support economic growth, improve communities and help deliver the homes the country needs. The Liverpool City Region visit provided an opportunity to showcase the vital contribution housing associations are making to that ambition.
