The former Kew Park and Ride site in Southport is due to be converted into 87 new homes.
The development will be led by Sandway Homes Ltd, Sefton Council’s wholly-owned housing development company.
Kew Park and Ride opened in 2007, costing some £5million pounds to develop and was intended to serve the thousands of visitors who visit the town from the east via the busy A570.
It boasted 600 parking spaces, toilets and baby changing facilities and cost just £1 per day.
But it was under-used with just 600 passengers per week and closed in 2010 before reopening for an unsuccessful trial period in 2012.
It has remained empty ever since, falling victim to fly tipping and anti-social behaviour.
Sandway Homes Ltd will now develop the site for new homes, with a planning application being progressed in the 2021/22 financial year after Sefton Council declared the land a “surplus asset”.
The decision is due to be endorsed at Sefton’s Cabinet meeting this Thursday (24th June).
The company began work on its first development last month, Sandy Brook, creating 48 two, three and four-bed homes on the former site of St John Stone R.C. Primary School in Ainsdale.
In his report to councillors, Sefton Council Executive Director of Corporate Resources and Customer Services Stephan Van Arendsen said: “Phase 2 will provide Sandway and the Council the opportunity to explore alternative methods of construction, as well as implementing a comprehensive specification which incorporates renewable technologies such as electric / solar based heating systems. Sandway will look to implement a ‘whole building approach’ to design which ensures that all new homes are built to the highest performing standard.
“Sandway Homes development programme is providing new housing in the borough, including forms of affordable housing which will provide additional housing choice for the local communities of Sefton.
“Sandway is in the process of becoming a Help to Buy agent, which will allow the company to provide access to first time buyers for up to 20% deposit from Government (on properties up to £224,000), to support them on to the housing ladder.”
The development will have a number of benefits for Sefton Council.
Stephan Van Arendsen said: “The disposal of council-owned assets for housing purposes provides a number of direct benefits to the authority in addition to the items outlined within the resilient communities section.
“Progressing disposals generates a capital receipt for the council, planning gain through S106 stipulations, interest payable on any further loan to Sandway and any profit on sales.
“These direct outputs will support a number of council service priorities including economic regeneration and the provision of further housing as required (including affordable homes).
“Sandway Homes will continue to generate direct and indirect employment opportunities through the delivery of Phase 2 sites. Construction continues to support economic recovery post Covid-19, and the company will promote opportunities for local supply chains (including Contractors, Suppliers and Technical & Professional Services).”
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