The first residents have started moving in to new homes built by Sefton Council’s ‘luxury’ housing company.
Sandway Homes, a wholly owned council company, was loaned over £8m by Sefton Council to build dozens of new homes across the borough after it was set up in 2018.
Concerns were raised by opposition councillors last year after the amount loaned to the company increased from the £5m originally set aside to over £8m.
A council report at the time noted the increase was deemed necessary to deal with rising costs after delays to the completion of its developments, which were party attributed to challenges linked to the covid pandemic.
The company had stated plans to build 141 new homes at sites in Ainsdale, Crossens and Netherton over the next few years, with more schemes also in the pipeline.
In July, Sefton Council said it would acquire 13 apartments from the company, hailed as the first new council homes in the borough since 2006.
Now, Sandway Homes properties will soon have their first residents after people were handed the keys to their new homes, according to Sefton Council.
The homes are located at the Hey Farms Garden development in Crossens and Sandy Brook in Ainsdale, both of which include a mixture of market rate, shared ownership and affordable rental properties.
One of the first tenants to move in, who has only been identified by her first name, is Jackie, who has taken part in a shared ownership scheme with Together Housing, Dashing Mortgages and Sandway Homes.
Jackie is quoted in a Sefton Council press release saying she is “thankful” to the companies involved “for helping me to achieve a dream I thought was beyond my grasp – finally having a place to call my own.”
Jackie said the move had been “life changing.”
She added: “As with everything in life, it wasn’t all plain sailing but Together Housing and Sandway were always there, at the end on the phone, with positive encouragements.
“Turning the key, opening the door, and stepping into my new life at Sandy Brook, made the journey worthwhile.”
Head of business operations and marketing and company secretary of Sandway Homes, Sandra Coventry said there had been industry volatility which led to delays in completing properties.
Ms Coventry said: “We are thrilled to finally be handing our customers the keys to their brand new homes.
“Volatility within the construction sector has been a challenge at times, with some homes being delayed, but the team continues to work around the clock to ensure that completions are taking place as quickly as possible.
“It is rewarding to have received some great feedback from our customers, and we look forward to the sites further contributing to the thriving communities within Sefton.”
Cabinet member for communities and housing, Cllr Trish Hardy also spoke of her pleasure at what she described as a “key milestone” for the company.
Cllr Hardy said the completion of the first homes confirms the council’s decision to set up Sandway Homes was “the right one.”
She said: “I am pleased to see Sandway Homes reaching another key milestone by providing people with keys to new, high-quality homes in Sefton.
“It confirms that the Council’s decision to establish Sandway to redevelop sites across the Borough to provide new and affordable housing, including properties for those taking their firsts steps onto the property ladder was the right one.”
Cllr Hardy has responsibility for the company as part of her cabinet portfolio with directors of Sandway Homes including Louise Davies, who was previously development director at Liverpool’s “flagship ethical housing company” Foundation Homes, Graham Kean and Glen Rowsall with Cllr Greg Myers as the council’s board representative.
Council officers have also been seconded to help with the running of the company.
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