Housing associations are helping to unlock complex sites and deliver affordable homes in places that matter to local communities.
A recent example is the redevelopment of the former Prescot Police Station and courthouse on Derby Street, a heritage-led project that will create 13 affordable shared ownership homes while preserving an important piece of local history.
Dating back to around 1850, the former police station is one of the area’s most distinctive historic buildings. Rather than allowing the site to remain vacant, Prima Housing Group is transforming it into a high-quality residential development that combines conservation with modern housing delivery.
As a designated heritage asset, significant work has been required to preserve the building’s original character, including its façade, windows and masonry. Extensive structural investigations and restoration works have also been undertaken to ensure the building can continue serving the community for generations to come.
To make the development viable, a blend of Brownfield Land Funding and Homes England funding has helped unlock the site. This investment demonstrates the importance of partnership working in bringing challenging regeneration projects forward.
Alongside restoring the historic buildings, the development incorporates new-build homes and low-carbon technologies, including air source heat pumps, solar panels, EV charging infrastructure and energy-efficient design measures.
The benefits extend beyond housing delivery, with the scheme supporting the ongoing regeneration of Prescot town centre, complementing nearby investment around Shakespeare North Playhouse and creating employment opportunities during construction, which is due to complete in 2027.
