The sale of part of the site of the former Rock Ferry High School in Wirral to a social housing provider could be signed off by Wirral Council’s cabinet next week.

Torus, supported by funding from Homes England, has put forward a plan to develop 186 affordable homes on the plot located off Highfield South.

A report, set to be discussed during a meeting of Wirral Council’s cabinet next Monday (20 January), is recommending that the Corporate Director of Delivery Services/Assistant Chief Executive be authorised to agree the sale of the land to Torus for £2.1 million.

Rock Ferry High School was closed in 2011 and the majority of buildings were subsequently demolished, with the exception of one detached building, Ravenswood, the original house which is Grade II-Listed.

As part of the proposals from Torus, Ravenswood House (pictured) will be refurbished to house eight apartments. Elsewhere on the site, 102 extra care units, 66 houses and 10 bungalows will be developed.

The units will be made available through a mixture of Shared Ownership and affordable rent.

Councillor Janette Williamson, portfolio holder for finance and resources & deputy leader of the council, says: “Improving housing availability for residents is a key priority for Wirral.

“Enabling regenerative projects that also support our local plan in the process are ideal for the area, our green spaces, residents and future homeowners.

“The sale of this particular site will allow the provider to develop affordable housing, bringing much-needed added social value to the area as they repurpose the space to benefit the community.

“As part of an extra care housing scheme, supported by funding from Homes England, the development will see 186 Shared Ownerships and affordable rent residential units including houses, bungalows and apartments created on the site.

“While the development itself responds directly to the borough’s affordable housing needs, Wirral will also benefit from a capital receipt resulting from the sale of the land, a portion of which will help to pay for the improvement of Riverside Primary school.”

Main image credit: Rept0n1x – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=25117064

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