A £4m housing scheme on Liverpool’s Boot Estate has transformed 74 derelict properties earmarked for demolition a decade ago into quality eco-homes. Liverpool Mutual Homes (LMH) has overhauled the three-bedroom properties as part of the Ellergreen Development.

The project was financed via resources from LMH, funds from the Community Energy Saving Programme – a subsidy from an energy company in return for carbon reduction savings – and a £750,000 contribution from Liverpool City Council.

The homes feature a range of green technologies that will reduce tenant’s fuel bills and cut carbon emissions by 3,000 tonnes making them more efficient than new build house regulations demand.

Solar panels have been fitted to some roofs to provide electricity and ‘A’ rated double-glazed windows and doors installed to retain heat.

Ventilation heat recovery systems and LED lights were fitted to a selection of properties.

New roofs were fitted and lofts insulated. Electrics were re-wired while dual-flush cisterns and efficient taps have been installed to reduce water consumption.

Top specification central heating systems add to the energy efficiency.

Properties were stripped out and remodelled to meet modern needs with open-plan living designs, utility rooms and downstairs toilets introduced.

Executive-standard Manhattan kitchens were fitted while bathrooms include eco-baths by Kaldewei, modern pottery and Grohe taps, showers and fittings.

Gardens at the front and rear have been landscaped with new fences and walls erected to create a homely feel along with newly constructed driveways and porches.

In 2000, the properties were consigned to meet the wrecking ball due to structural defects being identified only for the work to stall on several occasions.

When LMH took over the management of Liverpool City Council’s remaining 15,000 homes in 2008, it began a programme of bringing empty homes back into use.

Central to the work was the use of a special cladding to wrap the properties to make them structurally secure, improve their appearance, and provide thermal insulation.

Chief Executive at LMH, Steve Coffey, said: “Up until the 1980s, the Boot Estate was a desirable and much sought-after place to live, famous for its close-knit community spirit that so typifies good neighbourhoods in Liverpool.

“Having grown up on the estate when it was in its prime, I know what a great place it can be so I’m delighted to see it starting to be not only restored to its former glory but improved considerably.

“The homes have been completely modernised for the 21st century with open-plan living designs and a wide range of energy efficient products that will save people a significant amount of money in fuel bills.

“The specification of the finish is extremely high, meeting executive home standards. Visually, the difference to the community is incredible, transforming a blot on the landscape into an attractive, modern housing development. The work forms part of the wider Ellergreen Development and people can once again be proud to call the area ‘home’.”

Cabinet Member for Housing at Liverpool City Council, Councillor Ann O’Byrne, said: “Housing regeneration continues to gather pace in Norris Green, and the completion of this fantastic scheme is another important piece in the jigsaw.

“It’s wonderful to see these empty properties brought back into use as beautiful, modern, energy-efficient family homes – and it’s great news that all the houses are already fully let. We want to build strong, thriving and sustainable communities, and the success of this scheme is proof that by investing in our housing – and working in partnership to deliver the quality of homes people want – we can make great strides in attracting people back into our neighbourhoods.”

Norris Green councillor, Alan Walker, said: “LMH’s refurbishment in partnership with the city council is truly transformational and has lifted the whole community.”

The scheme contributed to LMH being named the ECHO Environment Awards’ Environmental Business of the Year.