Regenda Group announces a move back to Liverpool and major property investment plans
The Regenda Group is returning to its Liverpool roots to create jobs and invest millions of pounds in property development across the city centre.
As one of the North West's leading housing businesses, we already have a reputation for transforming some of the city's finest historic buildings into stylish homes,
We have begun refurbishing our offices at the Commutation Plaza, overlooking St George’s Hall and the Walker Art Gallery, which the Regenda Group left 10 years ago. Staff are expected to begin moving back in April.
The Group was formerly known as the Maritime Housing Association and can trace its local roots back half a century.
Group Chief Executive, Michael Birkett, said: “We are proud of our historic links with Liverpool and the time is right for us to move back to a city that is buzzing with excitement and opportunity. There is so much happening, lots of impressive development and regeneration that we want to be part of. Although we have always maintained a presence in the city, it is time to raise our profile, build on our reputation and deliver some high quality housing which is in keeping with Liverpool’s aspirations.”
The Group plans to spend £20 million on new housing developments over the next three years. Through our subsidiary company, Redwing Living, the emphasis will be on contemporary and innovative city centre living in private rented and shared ownership properties.
“In Liverpool we already have a track record of sensitive regeneration which includes Merchant Terrace, the Arts Village in the Ropewalks Conservation area and Preston Point. These are treasured buildings which we have helped the city to retain as studios, apartments, workshops and offices by successfully blending the old with the new,” added Michael.
Another successful example of our pioneering vision of regeneration is the quality office space at The Foundry on Henry Street. This will also be used by staff returning to Liverpool.
Moving out of the head office we have been leasing near Bolton, back into premises which we own, makes commercial sense and will save the Group £400,000 a year. Although most staff will make the move to Liverpool, it is thought around 50 job vacancies will be created.
“Over the next 12 months we will be recruiting, offering a wide range of employment opportunities for people who want to be a part of our exciting plans for Liverpool. The city is a fantastic local employment market, offering a flexible and dynamic workforce, talent from the universities and great transport links. We are really looking forward to coming home," said Michael.
In recent years the Group has been praised by civic and business leaders for its pioneering Community Wellbeing Apprenticeship project which is centred on the Anfield and Everton areas of the city. The award-winning project helps young people to find work while they study at college and carry out valuable community work.
The Group, which also has offices in St Helens, Oldham, Macclesfield and Fleetwood, employs around 500 staff, has assets of more than £489 million and a turnover of £55 million. Over the past three years it has built around 500 new properties and supported 140 people back into employment or training.
The move to Liverpool will coincide with some internal restructuring to improve the way services are delivered locally to residents living in around 13,000 properties in more than 30 local authority areas across the North West.