What's Happening In Your Area?

Why has my area been chosen for development?

'Fiveways' is an area of some 230 residential properties and numerous industrial units within Rock Ferry. This area has been chosen for development as there is a low demand for properties, with many that are in poor condition and an increasing number of vacant properties. Residents were consulted to find out their opinions on a range of issues concerning their neighbourhood, including the local housing market and were presented with a range of redevelopment options. The community showed its support for a radical redevelopment of the estate and the initiative will also aim to improve the social and environmental situation in the area.

What is happening?

The Council has been making rapid progress in acquiring properties in the area, which are going to be cleared to make room for the new development. The properties in Railway Road were cleared in 2003 and the Council has recently started further clearance work, with the demolition of industrial units in Railway Road and Bedford Road. The Council is currently in the process of finding a company to undertake selective demolition, to enable sites to be available for the new development. Over 84% of the properties are now in the Council's ownership with the remainder either committed (6%) or in negotiation (10%). All properties have so far been acquired through negotiation.

The Council's developer partner, Lovell, received outline planning approval for a development of almost 260 new homes, most of which will be for open market sale, with some affordable housing for shared ownership and rent.

How long will it take?

The scheme is separated into three phases with the first phase involving property acquisition, clearance and new development. Phase one is due to be completed spring 2009, with completion of the other two phases to follow. NewHeartlands will update residents with details of timescales when we have more information.

I live in an area that will be cleared and redeveloped - what will happen to me?

NewHeartlands will work hard to support you at every stage of the redevelopment. You will have your own Home Ownership Advisory Officer from the Council's Homemover's Service who will be there to offer you advice and support every step of the way. A range of options will be offered and practical advice such as finding an alternative home, organising removals and financial advice will be provided to help you to move. Your Home Ownership Advisory Officer will support you whether you are looking to buy or rent a property. They will arrange an appointment to visit you soon after a decision has been made that your property will be cleared. Many people are happy to find a new property for themselves but we also have a number of renovated houses available nearby for you to move to, if you wish, so you don't have to move far away. If you are affected and require more information, Home Ownership Advisory Officers will explain the housing options in more detail.

My house is in an area that is not scheduled for development - what will happen instead?

Improving housing will have a positive knock-on effect for the whole area - boosting the local economy by building confidence and attracting new people to the area. But we are not developing our plans in isolation - we are working together with a wide range of other organisations like the health service and the police. We will also be making sure we link with other regeneration programmes to improve job prospects, education, transport and parks in other areas in Rock Ferry and Tranmere.

What other improvements will I see?

Alongside developing the housing in Rock Ferry, investment will be made into maintaining comfortable, safe and secure living conditions for residents living through the changes in the area.

The 'Living Through Change' programme for 2006-2008 will bring a number of improvements to the areas:

Environmental Wardens and Neighbourhood Wardens will protect and improve the environment by keeping clearance areas clean and tidy. They will maintain the safety and security of empty properties in redevelopment areas and help reduce levels of anti-social behaviour.

A Target Hardening Scheme to help deter the fear of crime. Various security devices will be installed in properties, ranging from door locks and personal alarms to security lighting and CCTV.

Financial support for energy efficiency improvements such as loft and cavity wall insulation and energy efficient heating systems will be offered to all households.
Derelict land in clearance areas will be landscaped to ensure the area is clean and maintained until new development work commences.

Green spaces within neighbourhoods will be improved.

A 'Handy Person Scheme' will provide an affordable, reliable handyman service for small maintenance or repair jobs around the home.

The 'Home Movers Scheme' will offer practical support to people moving due to clearance to ensure successful relocation and resettlement.

For further information contact:

Lynn Ireland
Programme Manager
0151 691 8102
lynnireland@wirral.gov.uk