Vistry Group, a leading provider of multi-tenure affordable homes in the UK, has teamed up with Cobalt Housing to deliver 66 affordable homes at Lickers Lane, Whiston. This development is part of the larger Halsnead Garden Village masterplan, which will eventually comprise 1,600 homes across the Knowsley region.
In June, Vistry secured planning permission to build 120 homes at the site, which will include a mix of three- and four-bedroom houses and twelve two-bedroom apartments. Of the 120 homes, 66 will be available for affordable rent and Rent to Buy through Cobalt Housing, marking the first collaboration between Vistry and Cobalt. The remaining 54 homes will be sold on the open market by Linden Homes, one of Vistry’s retail brands.
Halsnead Garden Village is the largest integrated housing and employment development in the Liverpool City Region. It will feature 1,600 high-quality homes, green spaces, and enhanced community facilities for public use.
Gemma Hardy, Managing Director of Vistry Merseyside and Cheshire West, commented: “We are fully committed to creating vibrant, mixed-tenure communities that address local housing needs. Partnering with Cobalt Housing at Lickers Lane allows us to provide high-quality, affordable homes within the Halsnead Garden Village masterplan. This project will greatly benefit the local community by offering a variety of housing options that promote sustainable growth and inclusivity. We are proud to contribute to such a transformative development.”
Louise Davies, Executive Director of Communities and Regeneration at Cobalt Housing, added: “We are thrilled to partner with Vistry on this significant project. This marks a key milestone for Cobalt as we work towards our goal of delivering 1,000 new homes over the next few years. The development supports our commitment to investing in core neighborhoods and providing much-needed affordable housing.”
Initial site work has already begun, with Vistry set to hand over the 66 affordable homes to Cobalt Housing by March 2026.
About Vistry Group
Vistry Group is the UK’s leading provider of affordable mixed-tenure homes, working in partnership to build sustainable communities that deliver lasting social value. With a Partnerships-led approach, Vistry operates under brands such as Countryside Partnerships, Linden Homes, Bovis Homes, and Countryside Homes. Vistry is recognized as a 5-star housebuilder by the Home Builders Federation and is committed to achieving net-zero through its innovative timber-frame manufacturing operation.
About Cobalt Housing
Cobalt Housing is a housing association dedicated to providing affordable housing and community regeneration in the Liverpool area.
