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News
 Community lantern parade brings a glow to Olive MountThe 150 strong procession went from the entrance of Olive Mount Gardens at Mill lane, Wavertree and finished at the other end of the gardens at Thingwall Lane where members of Olive Mount Community Centre Management Group served hot soup to everyone who took part in the event, as well as spectators.
Following the parade which was led by a stilt walker camouflaged as a tree, there was an array of entertainment provided, including a magician and a fire-juggler.
The event was funded by the management group of local residents who operate from the Olive Mount Community Centre and organise events in the area throughout the year.
Cosmopolitan Housing Association, who own and manage 94 homes in the area, worked in partnership with Olive Mount Community Centre Management Group to arrange the event for the benefit of local people and families and to recognise Olive Mount Gardens as a great community asset.
Mrs Kath Walpole, a resident at Cosmopolitan’s Monkswell Place scheme in Wavertree, said at the parade: "I am here with my 3 great grandchildren and they are over the moon with the evening. I can’t stop them from dancing, it’s wonderful to see so many people out. It’s a fabulous atmosphere and I’m so pleased that the weather has not let us down."
Diane Maddock, Community Development Coordinator from Cosmopolitan Housing, said: “This is the second lantern parade that we have organised at the Gardens and this year proved a fantastic success with more people and their families attending than ever before. We wanted to create an event that all the family could enjoy in their local neighbourhood. With this year’s popularity it is hoped that we can make this an annual event in Olive Mount Gardens calendar.”  Local housing provider Cosmopolitan Housing Association is working in partnership with St Helen’s Council to bring long-term empty properties back into use for local people.Three properties have so far been purchased and refurbished, including a three bedroom mid-terrace property on Bruce Street and two terraced properties on Allanson Street.
Despite previous efforts to purchase the privately owned two bedroom terrace at 21 Allanson Street, the property lay empty for three years, making it an easy target for vandalism and subsequently it fell into disrepair, causing concern and complaints from neighbours.
Cosmopolitan Housing Association negotiated a sale on the property, which has since undergone a complete refurbishment and is now home to young local couple Daniel Bridge and Vicky Kennedy, both 19.
Daniel, who works as a shopfitter, said: “This is our first place. We bid for it online using the council’s ‘Under One Roof’ system, then we got a call to say we could come and view it. After that we were moved in within two weeks, it all went really smoothly and was very quick. We’re really happy with everything in the house, it was all carpeted and ready for us.”
J C Construction were contracted to fully refurbish the property to achieve an ECO homes rating of Very Good. Works were carried out to the roof and the internal layout was remodelled. A new gas central heating system was also installed along with a new fitted kitchen and bathroom.
Ward Cllr Andy Bowden, Cabinet Member for Urban Regeneration and Housing said: “I am really pleased to see this young couple getting their first home and I’m sure neighbours will be glad to see the improvements that have been carried out on what was once something of a local eyesore. We are always willing to work with partners on developments such as these.”
Refurbishment of the three properties was funded by investment from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), the national housing and regeneration agency for England.
Deborah McLaughlin, executive director North West at the HCA, said: “Working with St Helen’s Council and Cosmopolitan Housing Association, its great to see how our investment has helped bring these homes back into use and improved the environment in the Allanson Street area. I wish Daniel and Vicky all the best in their new home.” New era for Holly Vale as derelict sheltered housing is cleared
A date has been set for the demolition of a dilapidated former sheltered housing scheme on James Holt Avenue in Holly Vale, Kirkby.
On 24th January 2011 demolition experts J.P Tisdale Ltd will begin to demolish the disused building which has lain empty and boarded up since January 2010. Cosmopolitan Housing Association purchased the site from Anchor Trust in March 2010 and hopes to replace the old building with a new extra-care scheme for older people in the community. Mike Pearmain, Project Manager with Cosmopolitan Housing Association, said: “We have successfully obtained planning permission from Knowsley Council and funding submissions have been made, which we are awaiting a decision on very shortly, so we can go ahead and offer comfortable, safe and affordable homes for the older people in this area.” “The demolition of the building and clearing of the site will take approximately eight weeks, by which time we hope to have more news on the new development which will replace it.” Local shop manager Elizabeth Fowell is just one of many local people who will be pleased to see the eyesore cleared away: “It’s been empty for quite a while and the vandals have been at it so it’s a bit of an eyesore now” said Mrs Fowell, who manages The Store, directly opposite the site on James Holt Avenue. “I’m glad they’re taking it down but we were sad when the sheltered flats closed down. “A lot of the old people used to come in here for their bacon butties and we knew them all by name. If we didn’t see anyone for a few days we’d pop over to check they were OK or sometimes we’d help them with their shopping. “I hope they can get to build this new place. It would be nice to have older people back in the community.” Full steam ahead for supported housing conversion in Kensington, Liverpool
Cosmopolitan Housing Association has been granted planning permission to redevelop the former old people’s home on Holly Road, Kensington, in partnership with L’Arche, a Christian based support provider. Plans, drawings and a 3D scale model were produced and went on show this week at the L’Arche Liverpool head office on Lockerby Road, directly across the road from the development site. Work will commence in January 2011 on the building at 12 Holly Road, adjacent to St Sebastian’s Catholic Primary School, which has been empty for five years. Wellcare Construction will convert the property into supported living units for up to nine adults with learning and physical disabilities. Day to day support will be provided by L’Arche Liverpool, with Cosmopolitan managing the property itself. The £1.3m project is being delivered without grant subsidy and will take around 12 months to complete. Angela Dodson, Supported Living Programme Manager for Cosmopolitan Housing Association, said: “Cosmopolitan are very excited about this project. It has taken a while to become a reality but through continued partnership working with L’Arche, Liverpool City Council, Hardcastle & Hogarth and Wellcare Construction, we can now bring this building back to life and deliver quality housing for vulnerable people.” Ron Fuller at L’Arche Liverpool, said: “We are delighted that this project is about to take off and provide quality housing for the people in our community. We have to thank all those involved in bringing the project to this point. The next 12 months are going to be exciting times in seeing the building development take place, as well as the work involved in the detailed process of placing residents into the house and flats.” Wellcare Construction and consultant surveyors Hardcastle and Hogarth are working closely with Cosmopolitan Housing Association on the project. |
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Local residents and potential service users had a chance this week to see how the planned conversion of a derelict grade II listed building in Kensington will provide much needed accommodation for people with physical and learning disabilities.©
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