A new large-scale affordable housing development on brownfield land in St Helens has been completed. Housing association Torus has handed over Park Grange, a 164-home scheme in Thatto Heath.

The £34 million development sees 83 homes available for shared ownership, 41 through rent to buy and 40 affordable rent properties built by contractor Vistry Group.

Two, three and four-bedroomed houses have been built making them ideal for first time buyers, second steppers or those seeking an affordable new home.

Each integrates solar energy systems and EV chargers reflecting a commitment to modern, sustainable energy efficient living.

The scheme was supported by Homes England providing over £9 million of grant with £770,000 coming from Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s Brownfield Land Fund.

Torus Group Chief Executive, Steve Coffey, said:

“St Helens is an area we have been operating in for many years and it is a great moment to be able to welcome new residents to Park Grange.

“One of our key ambitions is to provide affordable, future-fit homes to help ease the ongoing housing crisis.

“With funding support from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Homes England it will have a positive impact on the people of St Helens helping to ease pressure on local housing waiting lists and let more people take a step on the property ladder.”

Mayor of Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram, said:

“Everyone deserves the right to a safe, secure and affordable place to call home – but for too many families, that’s becoming increasingly out of reach.

“Developments like Park Grange show the difference we can make when we invest in our communities: transforming unused brownfield land into high-quality, energy-efficient homes that people can actually afford.

“By working with partners like Torus, we’re not only helping more people in St Helens take their first step onto the property ladder or access a home that suits their needs, we’re also building the kind of thriving, sustainable communities that will support local people for generations to come.”

Councillor Trisha Long, St Helens Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, said:

“Providing more affordable homes for local people is one of our key priorities and Park Grange is a fantastic example of how we can work in partnership to make that happen.

“Too many families are priced out of the housing market and developments like this one give people a real chance to put down roots in their own community.

“These new homes don’t just deliver affordability – they bring energy-efficient living, better connections and investment in local schools and infrastructure, helping us to build a fairer, more sustainable future for St Helens Borough.”

As part of the wider regeneration of the area, the development is providing over £160,000 of educational support to local schools along with £31,000 in public right of way contributions to help improve public access paths.

Shared ownership works like a stepping stone letting people buy a 10 to 75% share of a property with a smaller than usual deposit. Rent is paid on the remaining amount with the option to buy a greater stake over time and own it outright.

For more information or to register interest visit torushomes.co.uk