Work is advancing on a £63 million affordable housing project in St Helens, where Torus has started on site to deliver 295 homes as part of the third phase of the wider Moss Nook regeneration programme.

Located on a long-derelict 95-acre site between Sutton, Parr and Bold, the development is part of a multi-phase plan for around 900 new homes in total. Torus’ scheme includes a mix of social rent, affordable rent, shared ownership, and rent-to-buy homes.

The site was unlocked with £2 million from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s Brownfield Land Fund, enabling groundworks and remediation before its acquisition by Torus in November 2024.

Site Preparation and Early Works

Access roads are already in place following a dry start to the year. Construction is being led by Watkin Jones, and the new homes will include two-, three-, and four-bedroom houses, as well as apartments and mews-style dwellings.

“Providing sustainable new properties in St Helens with a range of housing types and tenures is a key part of our development programme, offering people affordable homes that are energy efficient,” said Steve Alcock, Director of Development and Technical at Torus.

“Moss Nook takes our total number of new homes under construction in St Helens to 1,080 across nine sites.

“In order to make an impression on the town’s housing waiting lists and reduce demand, we need to deliver in volume and we are looking forward to continuing at pace with the aim of completing all 295 homes by 2028.

“The land has sat derelict for decades so the scheme and the wider regeneration it forms part of, will revitalise this area of St Helens.”

Focus on Sustainable Construction

The development will include air source heat pumps and solar PV to align with Future Homes Standard requirements and reduce fossil fuel reliance.

“Our design approach has focused on delivering high-quality, sustainable homes that respond to local needs of residents in St Helens,” said Sean Curran, Head of Construction Delivery and Design at Watkin Jones.

“This development will help ease housing shortages in the area while creating a well-considered environment that supports community living and long-term regeneration.

“Moss Nook is a fantastic example of how regeneration can unlock the potential of a brownfield site and to create a thriving new community.”

Strategic Partnerships and Planning

The Moss Nook regeneration is being delivered in phases, with master developer Harworth Group overseeing land assembly and early-stage planning.

Phase one saw 258 homes constructed, and phase two will deliver new community sports and leisure facilities on land at Cromdale Grove Recreation Ground.

“It is great to welcome Torus and their future residents to our Moss Nook development,” said James Crow, National Director of Place at Harworth Group.

“Phase three was conceived as a mixed tenure development to help us build a diverse and sustainable community there.

“Working with Torus and Watkin Jones early in the planning process has helped us take a design-led approach that will create a real asset for the wider community. I look forward to seeing it come out of the ground.”

Planning permission for Torus’ phase was granted by St Helens Council in summer 2024.

Regional Impact and Housing Strategy

The project supports the Liverpool City Region’s objectives to bring brownfield land back into use for housing delivery, attract long-term investment, and retain skilled workers.

“It’s great to see this progress at Moss Nook which is seeing derelict land transformed into a thriving new community,” said Cllr Graham Morgan, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration.

“That’s what our Brownfield Land Fund is all about and why we were pleased to invest £2m into the project to help remediate the site and make it ready for new homes.

“Through this fund we’re creating more than 4,500 new homes across the city region, giving families the opportunity to live in a high-quality home; attract new funding into towns and cities; and help us retain talent to grow our economy. New homes are an investment in the future.”