With roots firmly in St Helens, housing Group Torus has decades of experience building, repairing and maintaining over 13,500 homes across the borough and now is celebrating commencing works on its biggest Shared Ownership scheme in the area – Elephant Lane – with Countryside Partnerships. Committing to delivering 83 brand new homes –
Celebrating the handover of its first modular housing scheme in Wallasey, leading affordable housing provider, Torus, is marking the handover of its new 8-unit scheme at Oakdale Road. Expanding its use of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), Oakdale Road signifies a further £1.5 million investment in the use of greener,
As a leading provider of affordable homes across the North West, Torus Developments is about to start its latest scheme in Standish, Wigan, which will see 155 new homes built at Hallbrook Gardens – Torus’ biggest investment in Wigan to date. With works starting on site with Seddon in the Spring,
Torus has been granted funding to extend its affordable homes programme across the North West region. This follows today’s announcement by the Ministry of Housing that £8.6 billion will be invested in bolstering the delivery of new affordable housing across the country. Part of the Affordable Homes Programme – the largest single investment in affordable housing in a decade – Torus will build upon its successful strategic partnership
North West construction company, HMS, is developing a £23 million housing scheme in Huyton, for growth and regeneration group Torus. Due to start on site in March, the development of two, three and four bedroom homes will dramatically improve the appearance of the part-brownfield site at the front of Knowsley
Leading North West property developer, Torus, has broken ground on an exciting new development in Liverpool’s thriving Baltic Triangle which will see 56 modern one and two bedroom apartments created for Rent to Buy and sale. With sites across Liverpool, St Helens and Cheshire and an ambitious new build programme
Torus is celebrating a double shortlisting at the TPAS Awards this year. The awards celebrate the tireless passion, commitment and impact the work of tenants and housing providers undertake day in, day out to drive lasting change for individuals and communities alike. Torus Tenant Board member and Landlord Operations Committee
With roots firmly in St Helens, housing Group Torus has decades of experience building, repairing and maintaining over 13,500 homes across the borough and now is celebrating commencing works on its biggest Shared Ownership scheme in the area – Elephant Lane – with Countryside Partnerships. Committing to delivering 83 brand new homes – all of which will be available via Shared Ownership – Torus will work with Countryside Partnerships to bring forward the 164-unit scheme and completely transform the disused land in Thatto Heath and create a modern housing development which will give future residents access to numerous local amenities and public transport networks. Investing over £18 million into the scheme, Elephant Lane is the first New Build scheme Torus has undertaken in Thatto Heath and highlights its ongoing commitment to build high quality, modern homes that actively support people onto the housing ladder. Discussing Elephant Lane, Director of Development & Sales at Torus Developments, Steve Alcock, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with Countryside Partnerships on this project to galvanise long-term investment in the site and surrounding area. For Torus, it’s critical to enter into partnerships that help us actively invest in a community and that is what we feel we have at Elephant Lane – a relationship that will help us create sustainable, deep-rooted change through building great homes. “Elephant Lane itself signifies a monumental moment for Torus as a Group and represents years of ongoing investment in St Helens. It is the single largest Shared Ownership scheme we have developed in St Helens – and the first in Thatto Heath – so we are excited to be able to bring forward 83 homes that will help regenerate a piece of land and encourage the growth of a new community.” Delivering the other 81 homes at Elephant Lane through its Linden Homes arm, Countryside Partnerships will provide these properties via Outright Sale and offer another route to homeownership to local people. Ian Hilliker, Managing Director of Countryside Partnerships Merseyside & Cheshire West, said: “As the UK’s leading mixed tenure developer, we’re always looking to work with quality partners like Torus to deliver more affordable homes in the areas they’re needed most. By working in partnership, we’ve been able to unlock the potential of this site, which had remained undeveloped for many years. We’re now looking forward to seeing the homes progress and welcoming new residents.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Celebrating the handover of its first modular housing scheme in Wallasey, leading affordable housing provider, Torus, is marking the handover of its new 8-unit scheme at Oakdale Road. Expanding its use of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), Oakdale Road signifies a further £1.5 million investment in the use of greener, more sustainable technologies and Torus’ commitment to become a more eco-friendly developer. All eight bungalows at Oakdale Road were built off site and are available via Affordable Rent and are built to meet net zero carbon standards, featuring PV Solar Roof Panels, an Air Source Heat Pump with an EPC rating of ‘A’ – the first of its kind built by Torus with contractor Starship. Completed in less than a year, Oakdale Road highlights the importance of utilising less traditional methods of construction to regenerate disused sites to create high quality, modern homes quickly. Embedding this technology will also benefit future residents by lowering their energy consumption and ultimately bills – something that has never been so important for many in Torus communities. Discussing the completion of Oakdale Road, Director of Development & Sales Steve Alcock, said: “As a social investor, we’re committed to ensuring all homes we build are not only affordable, but actively contribute to addressing key issues impacting our local communities, region and the country as a whole. Oakdale Road is the first Torus scheme that is completely carbon neutral but is certainly not the last. “As we progress on our journey to net zero emissions, this development will form the blueprint for how we continue to use MMC intelligently to not only fix the national housing crisis but reduce our impact on the environment to create more sustainable developments and we’re thrilled to have worked with Starship to create such an innovative scheme.” Chris Moores, Development Director at Starship, commented: “It’s been great working with the team at Torus to deliver what is a truly innovative, next generation development for their residents. We are always working to push the boundaries in creating the lowest carbon living standards possible for our customers and we are looking forward to working with Torus in the future on more game changing homes.” After visiting the development, Councillor Tony Jones, Chair of Wirral Council’s Economy, Regeneration & Housing Committee, said, “It’s fantastic to see such a ground-breaking development in Wirral, which not only provides much-needed bungalows for affordable rent, but also incorporates sustainable technologies to minimise carbon emissions and help residents keep their fuel bills as low as possible.”
As a leading provider of affordable homes across the North West, Torus Developments is about to start its latest scheme in Standish, Wigan, which will see 155 new homes built at Hallbrook Gardens – Torus’ biggest investment in Wigan to date. With works starting on site with Seddon in the Spring, Hallbrook Gardens signifies a £30 million commitment from the Torus Group to keep building genuinely affordable, modern homes outside of its traditional heartlands of Liverpool, St Helens and Warrington. With 100% of homes at Hallbrook Gardens being available by affordable means, including Affordable Rent, Rent to Buy and Shared Ownership, Torus are committed to ensuring people across the region can access high quality, modern homes that they can afford for years to come. Discussing the scheme, Managing Director of Torus Developments, Chris Bowen said: “With the cost of living increasing and this disproportionately affecting those who earn less, we want to ensure our homes are accessible to anyone and support more people onto the housing ladder. “Through building more affordable homes and increasing the mix of tenure across all our new development schemes, we are continuing to offer multiple ways people can get on the property ladder and Hallbrook Gardens is the latest scheme that evidences how we are opening the door for more people to have their own property. We are delighted to be working with Seddon on this scheme and to further increase access to genuinely affordable housing in Wigan.” Divisional director at Seddon, Duncan Williams added: “Affordable homes are vital for people to feel a part of their community and with the demand for new houses in Wigan, Hallbrook Gardens will create 155 new homes. “We are delighted to be working with Torus Developments under the new development framework providing new affordable homes and being able to make a difference in the community.” Hallbrook Gardens is the latest new build development Torus Developments is on site with in Wigan and follows closely behind its Frog Lane development and Plank Lane development in nearby Leigh, which is due for completion this December. Also complementing Torus Developments increasing footprint across the North West, Hallbrook Gardens joins over 20 schemes currently onsite outside of the Liverpool City Region and St Helens, accounting for over 1,500 homes being built in communities across the North West.
Torus has been granted funding to extend its affordable homes programme across the North West region. This follows today’s announcement by the Ministry of Housing that £8.6 billion will be invested in bolstering the delivery of new affordable housing across the country. Part of the Affordable Homes Programme – the largest single investment in affordable housing in a decade – Torus will build upon its successful strategic partnership with Homes England and continue to tackle the lack of availability of affordable homes in the region. As the largest provider of affordable homes in the North West, Torus understands that safe, affordable homes are the foundation of any thriving community and this funding will allow the group to fulfil its long-term placemaking ambitions and create places that actively respond to changing local demand. Torus is a catalyst for change and this grant will expand the group’s affordable homes programme, further transforming, regenerating and building communities that meet the needs of a growing, diverse, multi-generational population. Creating affordable solutions, that provide people with a range of tenure options, Torus will continue to develop a number of schemes that will offer sustainable housing choices people can benefit from, no matter their situation. Discussing the grant, Group Chief Executive, Steve Coffey, said: “This grant enables us to plan further into the future – beyond the 5 years laid out in our Corporate Plan – and create a stable, long-term pipeline that will see homes built exactly where they’re needed, ensuring that we can make the biggest difference for our communities. “Creating homes which are genuinely affordable is integral to our mission as an organisation, and since amalgamating as a larger group in January 2019 has already seen us build 1,600 new affordable homes and invest £260 million into our communities – these figures will only continue to grow following the renewal of our partnership with Homes England. “The need for affordable housing is not ebbing and as a group, we continue to work tirelessly to not only build homes that give people chances to live well in a home and area they choose. By proactively partnering with national agencies and collaborating strategically with Homes England, we can effectively plan for the future and continue helping people on and along the property ladder. “Not only will this grant help us and our communities ‘Build Back Better’, it will contribute to tackling social issues, supporting people into training and employment and creating homes that embrace new technologies and create greener, healthier homes everyone can afford.”
North West construction company, HMS, is developing a £23 million housing scheme in Huyton, for growth and regeneration group Torus. Due to start on site in March, the development of two, three and four bedroom homes will dramatically improve the appearance of the part-brownfield site at the front of Knowsley Lane and Astley Road and provide local people with an affordable way to step onto the property ladder through the popular Rent to Buy scheme. The 131-unit project will be HMS’ largest to date and builds on the organisation’s successful completion of award-winning projects such as the restoration of the Grade ll listed Tobacco Factory, Ogden’s, in Everton and Notre Dame – its landmark scheme in Walton, Liverpool. Demonstrating HMS’ ability to build widely recognised developments and upscale quickly, this scheme is expanding its construction portfolio, seeing the company take on larger scale projects. Due to complete in 2023, this development contributes to HMS’ growth plans and goal of building 200 units per annum by 2020/21. Upscaling not only its construction activity, but investment in local communities, as all commercial profits generated from this development will be reinvested in meaningful social projects. Discussing the project, HMS’ Construction Director, John Barrow, said: “In recent years, we have actively been focusing on growing our construction activities and have already completed a number of high-profile projects across the North West. “Growing both the size and scale of our construction activities has prepared us to undertake this latest build and along with the increase in activity, comes an uplift in our financial and social investment in Huyton’s local community. “As an organisation, we reinvest 100% of our commercial profits into social projects and with the ongoing impacts of Coronavirus seeing a decline in employment opportunities across the region, we will actively create training opportunities on site to support the regeneration and growth of the local economy.” Continuing, Director of Development & Sales at Torus Developments, Steve Alcock, said: “As a Group, Torus is committed to investing into the growth of communities across the North West and working with contractor partners that share that those values. “This is one of ten projects currently onsite with HMS and the largest to date. We’re delighted to be working with HMS on the development, assisting with their expansion as a new home builder of scale. This latest scheme will build on the Group’s investment in Knowsley, following the completion of our Extra Care scheme, The Maples, and will further bolster access to affordable housing in the area.
Leading North West property developer, Torus, has broken ground on an exciting new development in Liverpool’s thriving Baltic Triangle which will see 56 modern one and two bedroom apartments created for Rent to Buy and sale. With sites across Liverpool, St Helens and Cheshire and an ambitious new build programme of 5,300 homes by 2024, Torus is one of the largest developers of affordable homes in the North West. The James Street investment of £9.8m will see Torus partnering with Crossfield Construction, a division of Speke-based Crossfield Group, and international award-winning architects, Brock Carmichael. More than 150 people will be employed during the build to regenerate the former brownfield site. Local suppliers will be used wherever possible, helping to harness the potential that exists in the city and unlock opportunities for the wider community. Crossfield Group has a number of projects already underway in the Baltic Triangle, including the Baltic View scheme to create 130 one, two and three bedroom apartments for the private rental market, and a four star hotel on the site of the former Liver Grease Oil and Chemicals building. Chris Bowen, Managing Director of Torus Developments, said: “St James Street historically housed a number of small terraced properties which were demolished in the mid-20th Century, so we are excited to reinvigorate the area and once again see it as a residential site. “St James Street is in the heart of the Baltic Triangle and the development will put residents at the creative epicenter of Liverpool. This contemporary development is an important step in providing much need affordable housing options in the city center and as a developer we are passionate about giving people the opportunity to live in locations which may otherwise be unattainable.” Michael Macaulay, Commercial Director at Crossfield Group, said: “This scheme is part of our ongoing commitment to regenerating the Baltic Triangle as we have a further two developments underway on adjacent plots of land, each of which is seeing derelict and disused sites brought back into use. “The fact that our partnership with Torus will lead to 56 affordable new homes is even better as it will help contribute to the continued demand for high quality living space in the City.” Leading North West property developer, Torus, has broken ground on an exciting new development in Liverpool’s thriving Baltic Triangle which will see multiple one and two bedroom apartments created for Rent to Buy. With sites across Liverpool, St Helens and Cheshire and an ambitious new build programme of 5,300 homes by 2024, Torus is one of the largest developers of affordable homes in the North West. The James Street investment of £9.8m will see Torus partnering with Crossfield Construction, a division of Speke-based Crossfield Group, and international award-winning architects, Brock Carmichael. More than 150 people will be employed during the build to regenerate the former brownfield site. Local suppliers will be used wherever possible, helping to harness the potential that exists in the city and unlock opportunities for the wider community. Crossfield Group has a number of projects already underway in the Baltic Triangle, including the Baltic View scheme to create 130 one, two and three bedroom apartments for the private rental market, and a four star hotel on the site of the former Liver Grease Oil and Chemicals building. Chris Bowen, Managing Director of Torus Developments, said: “St James Street historically housed a number of small terraced properties which were demolished in the mid-20th Century, so we are excited to reinvigorate the area and once again see it as a residential site. “St James Street is in the heart of the Baltic Triangle and the development will put residents at the creative epicenter of Liverpool. This contemporary development is an important step in providing much need affordable housing options in the city center and as a developer we are passionate about giving people the opportunity to live in locations which may otherwise be unattainable.” Michael Macaulay, Commercial Director at Crossfield Group, said: “This scheme is part of our ongoing commitment to regenerating the Baltic Triangle as we have a further two developments underway on adjacent plots of land, each of which is seeing derelict and disused sites brought back into use. “The fact that our partnership with Torus will lead to 56 affordable new homes is even better as it will help contribute to the continued demand for high quality living space in the City.” “The fact that our partnership with Torus will lead to 56 affordable new homes is even better as it will help contribute to the continued demand for high quality living space in the City.”
Torus is celebrating a double shortlisting at the TPAS Awards this year. The awards celebrate the tireless passion, commitment and impact the work of tenants and housing providers undertake day in, day out to drive lasting change for individuals and communities alike. Torus Tenant Board member and Landlord Operations Committee member, Ray Jones was nominated by the Group for the Lifetime Achievement Award. Ray has been an active tenant since 2008 first with Liverpool Mutual Homes and latterly with Torus. Over the past 11 years, Ray has been a passionate advocate of tenant representation and decision-making. His sphere of influence has been far-reaching and embraces committees for assets, audit and risk, remuneration and financing. With a focus on the provision of high-quality, mixed tenure homes and investment in existing homes, Ray’s input has helped shape the delivery of Liverpool’s Marwood Towers and Torus’ award-winning development, Ogden’s Place, in Everton. For the past year, as a member of Torus Landlord Operations Committee, Ray has been the voice for nearly 40,000 tenants. However, Ray took his voice and those of all tenants to a national stage when he was successfully appointed to the National Housing Federation’s ‘Tenant Advisory Panel’. This critical role sees him helping to develop the design and policy for social housing associations and boards nationwide. Commenting on his nomination, Ray said: “I’m honoured and privileged to have been nominated; I enjoy excellent social housing accommodation and facilities. “I have become passionate in trying to make sure all social housing tenants of whatever age, can also enjoy clean, safe, affordable housing, which in turn, helps maintain health and wellbeing. Building up a transparent relationship between tenant and provider is the key to a successful partnership, both parties benefit accordingly.” Torus’ second nomination, Torus Talk, an innovative online tenant engagement and consultation platform has also been shortlisted for the Excellence in Tenant Communication Award. Designed and developed in consultation with tenants, the Customer Involvement Team and the Communications Team, Torus Talk harnesses the power of Facebook to give 38,695 tenants the opportunity to have their say without physically having to attend consultation sessions. By removing barriers to participation, Torus Talk has enhanced tenant involvement, scrutiny and empowerment. Torus Regional director, Jan Calland, said: “Torus celebrated its one-year anniversary in January and we worked hard to embed tenant involvement from the outset. Much of this is thanks to the combined vision of our board, leadership team and Landlord Operations Committee. “However, teams across the business and tenants alike have embraced tenant participation as a way to work together, make positive changes and keep improving. The fact that we’ve been shortlisted really recognises the value of the work that’s been done.” The TPAS Awards take place on March 27th in Manchester.
