Torus group’s Ogden’s Place development in Everton was named Affordable Housing Scheme of the Year at last week’s Northern Housing Awards.
The development fought off tough competition from seven other housing organisations to win the coveted award, which celebrates the delivery of high-quality, innovative schemes that that have changed the lives of residents.
Ogden’s, a decaying Victorian tobacco factory, was transformed into more than 150 affordable homes, whilst the iconic Grade II listed Clock tower was repurposed to incorporate a further 19 apartments.
With a firm commitment to retaining the urban fabric and valuable historic features of the site, the 18-month build was a mix of complex restoration, fast-paced construction and large-scale urban regeneration.
John Barrow, Construction Director at HMS, which transformed and repurposed the iconic Ogden’s Clock Tower, said:
“This key restoration build was both challenging and thrilling in equal measure, but it’s a great example of our commitment to respecting the heritage of our communities whilst delivering quality living for all.
“We approach every project with exactly the same sensitive care and attention from initial design to final construction, so to have achieved such an accolade for doing what we love doing best is just amazing.”
Redevelopment of the site was managed by Torus Developments. Commenting on award, Managing Director Chris Bowen said: “I’m delighted that this unique development has been recognised in this way. A huge amount of often painstaking work went into the project from all the teams involved.
“It seems fitting that this iconic site, which once played an important role in the community by providing reliable employment, now provides local people with much-needed affordable homes.”
HMS, the construction contracting arm of the Torus group, is currently working to deliver a similar project in Aigburth, South Liverpool, which will see the restoration and refurbishment of a former fire station into apartments for over 55s.