£3.2m project to transform run-down Georgian townhouses in Liverpool

A terrace of Georgian townhouses in Liverpool is to be transformed by local developer Elliot Group after the firm struck a deal with Liverpool City Council.

The nine run-down properties, which form an L-shape along Percy Street and Upper Parliament Street in the city’s historic Canning neighbourhood, have lain empty since 2008 when they were used as bedsits.

In a scheme worth £3.2m, Elliot Group will breathe new life into the buildings to turn them into full family homes.

Elliot Group’s director, Elliot Lawless, said: “We’re better known for dramatic new buildings like our triple towers on Pall Mall, but I began my career refurbishing historic buildings within the Georgian Quarter so I know how to bring out the best in homes such as these.”

As the properties are listed and located within a conservation area, Elliot Group will carry out the multi-million pound overhaul under strict refurbishment rules, according to Mr Lawless.

He continued: “The rules relate to the exteriors, but the interiors are something of a blank canvas. They were stripped of most of their Georgian features a long time ago when they were converted into bedsits.

“We’ll restore whatever’s salvageable inside, whilst creating family homes fit for today’s needs.”

Work on site is expected to start this winter, with the first of the homes due to be ready for sale in Summer 2018.

Cllr Ann O’Byrne, the Deputy Mayor of Liverpool, commented: “These striking period properties have remained unoccupied for too long, and we are delighted to be working in partnership with Elliot Group to make sure they become occupied again and complement the area.

“This is part of our 10-point plan to really drive up the standard, range and quality of homes in Liverpool.”

She continued: “We have already brought 1,500 properties back into use over the last couple of years, and have plans for another 2,000 over the next few years.

“The marketing of the properties in Percy Street is a good example of our innovative approach to tackling the problem of long term vacant homes.”