Magenta Living leads Liverpool City Region with first SAHP-funded homes at Sandbank Point

Magenta Living’s Sandbank Point development in West Kirby is the first in the country to draw down funding from the Government’s new Social and Affordable Homes Programme (SAHP) – marking a significant milestone for the Liverpool City Region.

This national first reflects the strength of housing delivery across the city region, where housing associations are working in partnership to tackle the shortage of affordable homes, invest in high-quality, energy-efficient housing, and accelerate delivery through modern methods of construction.

The Sandbank Point scheme, led by Magenta Living, will deliver 14 new homes on the Wirral, including eight for social rent, the first new social rent homes in West Kirby for ten years. The development represents a major step forward in bringing much-needed affordable housing back into the area and supporting sustainable, mixed communities.

The project forms part of Magenta Living’s wider ambition to deliver 1,300 new homes by 2030. Supported by Homes England through early investment from the new SAHP, the scheme demonstrates how national funding can be translated into real homes on the ground through strong local partnerships.

Sandbank Point will provide a mix of two- and three-bedroom homes built to EPC A standard, ensuring high-quality, energy-efficient living that helps residents manage the cost of living. The homes are being delivered using modern methods of construction by Wirral-based developer Starship, with key components manufactured off-site to speed up delivery and minimise disruption to the local community.

Andy Lomas, Chief Executive of Magenta Living, said:

“Sandbank Point marks an important milestone not just for Magenta Living, but for the wider Liverpool City Region. This development reflects our shared commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable homes and making best use of new funding opportunities to meet local housing need.”

Cllr Paula Basnett, Leader of Wirral Council, said:

“This is a great example of what can be achieved through strong local partnership working. A local housing association and a local developer coming together to deliver high-quality, sustainable homes that will help meet demand and support our communities.”

Shahi Islam, Director of Affordable Housing Grants at Homes England, said:

“The new Social and Affordable Homes Programme is designed to provide vital grant funding to support the delivery of new homes that meet local affordable housing needs. It is encouraging to see partners already on site to deliver more social housing, alongside a strong community focus as demonstrated by Magenta Living.”

Programmes like SAHP are critical in enabling regions like the Liverpool City Region to turn ambition into action – creating homes, supporting communities, and underpinning inclusive economic growth.