Property Briefs: Merebank; St Johns; Merepark Project Management

THE Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) has appointed a preferred developer to create much needed new homes in the heart of Liverpool.

Fortis Developments has been chosen by property owners the HCA to transform Merebank, Greenbank Drive to create 78 market sale and rent homes.

Detailed planning permission has been submitted to Liverpool City Council for determination. The scheme will comprise a mix of, one, two and three bedroom apartments over 15 floors. Subject to approval, work will start in October this year and will take 12 months to complete.

The property sits within Sefton Park Conservation Area and has been largely unoccupied for a number of years. The redevelopment of Merebank will bring an empty tower block back into use.

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THE owners of St Johns Shopping Centre in Liverpool, InfraRed Capital Partners and its asset manager Hark Group have let 5 Williamson Square to Matalan, which will be used as its flagship city centre store.

The new 25,000sq ft unit fronts Williamson Square, occupying the ex-JJB premises, and links directly into St Johns shopping centre. Matalan plan to launch the store in early autumn.

This news follows on from the significant investment in St Johns recently announced by InfraRed Capital Partners, including the renewal of Europe’s largest digital media screen fronting onto Lime Street station, the start on site of the new food court and refurbishment of the Houghton Street entrance.

Matalan’s move will create additional jobs in St Johns and marks a major investment into the city by the retailer, which has more than 200 stores nationwide.

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A SCHEME to transform the site of the former Four Heatons public house and surrounding land into luxury flats and a local convenience store has been given the go-ahead by planners.

Merepark Project Management is carrying out the redevelopment near Stockport which will include the demolition of the former pub and the construction of eight two-bedroom flats and a 4,000 sq ft neighbourhood store.

The mixed-use scheme on Didsbury Road called The Beeches will also include car parking and associated external works and landscaping.

Paul Woodcock from Merepark said: “We’re delighted to be making strides on this exciting scheme which will revitalise this neglected piece of land and bring it up to a level more fitting for the neighbouring area.”