Developer returns to his roots to boost Crosby Village with £15m scheme

David Cain and David Ayem outside Telegraph House

A Crosby-born property developer is returning to his roots to give the town’s high street a boost with plans for a new £15m retail and housing development.

David Cain, managing director of Liverpool-based Crossfield Exclusive Developments and construction firm Crossfield Group, bought Telegraph House on Moor Lane, for £1m.

It was the final asset that property group St Modwen owned in Crosby, having bought a sizeable portfolio from supermarket giant Sainsbury after its own proposed redevelopment was rejected

David, who grew up in the town, says his plans to redevelop the prominent site will help boost the fortunes of Crosby Village which has suffered declining visitor numbers in recent years and may be affected further still by the economic impact of COVID-19.

He plans to demolish the current structure and create a four-storey building on the site, attracting a retailer to units on the ground floor and creating quality one- and two-bedroom retirement apartments on the floors above.

Construction works on the scheme, which will be carried out by Crossfield Construction, a division of Crossfield Group, will create jobs for local people, both on site and through the supply chain.

David Cain said: “Crosby means a lot to me. I have happy memories of growing up here and I’ve still got plenty of family in the area.

“I know that, like many places, Crosby Village has struggled in recent years and COVID-19 will make even more of an impact on high street footfall.

“But I’m an optimist, and, as hard as it seems, we have to look forward and plan for how we can return from this situation stronger than before.

“I want to play my part in helping Moor Lane continue to be a vibrant part of Crosby, where people come to live, shop and socialise for many years to come.”

As well as attracting more people, both residents and shoppers, to Crosby Village, the scheme will also deliver much-needed new homes.

Sefton Council says that 73 new homes must be built in Crosby each year keep up with local need.

David Cain’s business partner in Crossfield Exclusive Developments, David Ayem, said: “We’re proud to be a company that invests in the areas in which we work by creating jobs, using nearby suppliers, supporting community groups and delivering schemes that are fitting for the local area.

“We want to make sure that the plans for Telegraph House are in keeping with what Crosby needs.

“We know that the council has identified a requirement for one- and two-bedroom homes suitable for older people and aim to meet that need. Likewise, we are keen that the retailer that we attract to the space fulfils a need in the village.”

Law firm TLT advised Crossfield on this matter.

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