A major regeneration project in Wirral has reached its first significant milestone, with The Regenda Group and Wirral Council completing 34 homes that aim to “set a new standard for affordable housing and placemaking in the Liverpool City Region”.

This milestone represents important progress for New Ferry, a community significantly affected by the 2017 explosion that destroyed homes and businesses. The £6.6 million scheme, delivered by The Regenda Group subsidiaries M&Y Maintenance and Construction, Redwing, and Regenda Homes, brings together design-focused development with a commitment to social impact.

The homes are split across two sites at New Ferry’s high street. Sorrel Place on Boundary Road offers 20 Rent to Buy apartments through Redwing, helping residents rent affordably at a 20% reduced rent while saving for a mortgage deposit. The Bebington Road site provides 14 Affordable Rent homes through Regenda Homes, designed to echo Victorian and Edwardian heritage with extended fronts reminiscent of historic shopfronts that stood previously.

The development, which was Highly Commended in the Apartment Development of the Year category at the recent YM Liverpool Property & Business Awards, challenges perceptions of affordable housing with architectural features such as curved walls, circular windows, and decorative brickwork, proving place and design-led regeneration can deliver character and quality.

All homes were let off plan before completion, demonstrating confidence in the scheme and strong demand for affordable housing.

Phase 1 of the regeneration project also included improvements to Grove Street South car park, now open with 54 spaces (7 Blue Badge), enhanced lighting, CCTV, and direct access to Bebington Road businesses.

Since construction began in March 2024, the development has generated £778,766 in social value through apprenticeships, local employment via M&Y Maintenance and Construction, and partnerships with schools.

Michael Birkett, group chief executive of The Regenda Group, says: “We’re incredibly proud to see all homes in the first phase now built and occupied at New Ferry.

“This regeneration is about more than building homes – it’s about creating a thriving, sustainable community that people can be proud of. Reaching this milestone is a significant step in our mission to rebuild and transform the area, and we’re committed to maintaining this momentum as we move into phase two next year, delivering even more high-quality homes and spaces that will benefit New Ferry for generations to come.”

To mark this milestone, celebrations were held at Windsor Close Community Centre, bringing together local people for a festive evening of music and community spirit. Highlights included Christmas carols sung by pupils from Grove Street Primary School, creating a joyful atmosphere as residents and partners reflected on the journey so far.

Here’s what new Redwing residents Becky, Jon and his daughter, Luna, had to say about their new home: “We are over the moon to have found a home in a beautiful area where Luna can play and explore safely.

“We’re so excited to continue making our lovely new apartment into our home. Luna is thrilled to have her own space and is super excited to meet new people. This new chapter for us is very exciting and we’re all looking forward to a long future in our new home.”

Cllr Mark Skillicorn, chair of the economy, regeneration and transport committee for Wirral Council, adds: “The completion of the first phase of this project is another milestone in the regeneration of New Ferry and it’s fantastic to see the new high-quality, affordable homes that have already been completed and are now being lived in across multiple sites in the town.

“We are looking forward to work on phase two getting started in early 2026, continuing the transformation of New Ferry with more homes, complemented by the £5.5m investment from Wirral Council in public realm improvements, including a new car park and highway upgrades.”

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