Iceni’s Manchester office were instructed by Engie to prepare and submit a planning application to transform a derelict 16-acre site off Whitefield Drive, Kirkby.

The scheme, approved by Knowsley’s virtual planning committee in Summer 2020, will deliver 266 new homes, with a mix of private rent, affordable rent and shared ownership properties available. The proposed development will be constructed by Engie on behalf of registered provider Your Housing Group who will retain and manage the properties.

The site is located close to Kirkby Town Centre and is designated as a Development Opportunity Site, benefitting from its accessible location along with existing green space nearby. Through an extensive pre-application process including a Places Matter design review panel, the scheme has evolved and now includes a core set of design themes that have been closely adhered to across the entire site. For example, the inclusion of taller buildings to the site perimeter, coherent street edges to aid legibility, and distinct landmarks at key junctions helps create a sense of place and destination. The scheme is unified and cohesive through the design of nine house types, which will be combined in various ways to produce a range of semi-detached and terraced options.

Ultimately, the plans focus on creating a new family orientated community with a range of homes for all ages, helping with the continued rejuvenation of the wider area of Kirkby and Knowsley, while also complementing the regeneration of Kirkby town centre.