Developer McCarthy Stone starts work on multi-million pound project for 53 Liverpool city region apartments for people aged 60 and above that will be factory-built and installed on-site. Tony McDonough reports

Work has started on the construction of 53 factory-built apartments just north of Liverpool that will create a retirement community for the over 60s.

McCarthy Stone, an established developer of and manager of retirement properties, is overseeing the multi-million pound development at St Chad’s Drive. This will comprise 37 one-bedroom apartments and 16 two-bedroom apartments under shared ownership.

A Government-backed scheme, shared ownership is a part-buy, part-rent scheme that allows individuals to purchase a share of a property and pay rent on the remaining share.

So-called Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) will be used on the project. MMC is a modern version of what used to be called prefabrication where homes are built in factories then transported to be installed on the site.

This is becoming an increasingly popular method among housebuilders. MMC significantly reduces build time and offers homes that are typically far more energy efficient than traditionally built homes.

Key to MMC is the use of Remagin’s (formally known as Sigmat) eco-friendly, dynamic light gauge steel framing (LGSF). This enables the development to be completed at a lower cost than would be the case with traditional construction methods.

After being manufactured off-site the completed sections are lifted into place. Even though work has just started on the Kirkby scheme it is expected apartments will be released for sale by the autumn with people moving in by spring 2026.

In 2023, McCarthy Stone completed 10 developments using MMC and is employing the method on 25 schemes this year.

READ MORE: £90m Liverpool office building changes ownership

READ MORE: Queen Anne returns for Liverpool FC celebrations

Business development manager Declan Fishwick said: “We’ve been using MMC since 2021 and it now forms an integral aspect of our new build programme, with the ability to cut overall build times by several weeks.

“Our new Kirkby development is aimed at improving the availability of more affordable housing in Merseyside through our Shared Ownership scheme in partnership with Homes England.

“Retirees can enjoy the lifestyle they’ve dreamed of without having to commit to the full purchase price.”

Once the development is occupied a house manager will be on-site during office hours to help keep everything running smoothly, while each property is fitted with a 24-hour emergency call system, intruder alarm and fire detection.