Plans to redevelop Vine House in Seaforth have taken a major step forward this week.

Developers Carroll Group have confirmed they will be refurbishing the vacant building to create 58 apartments for rent.

Families and individuals with a local connection

Carroll Group and Sefton Council are committed to ensuring the new homes are let to families and individuals with a local connection to the area.

In September, Sefton Council approved the proposals to redevelop Vine House after being approached by Carroll Group. Before that there were plans to demolish the building, which has been empty for a number of years.

The developers and Sefton Council have now entered into a building lease, with Sefton Council keeping the freehold of the building until the refurbishment is complete. This means the Council can make sure the refurbishment is satisfactory and on time.

Improvements to the wider area

Cllr Daren Veidman, Sefton Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for housing said:  “I am delighted we have been able to reach agreement with Carroll Group to bring Vine House back into use and provide homes for people with a connection to the area.

“We are committed to tackling the huge need for housing in Sefton, so it’s great to see these 58 apartments coming back into use instead of the building being demolished.

“The work will also mean wider improvements to the area and will benefit the local community in Seaforth.”

Sustainable, high-quality development

Terry Carroll, Managing Director of Carroll Group, said: “We are a family run building company with real experience in delivering residential housing, and we are proud to be working with Sefton Council to bring Vine House back into use.

“We are working closely with Sefton Council to ensure we can offer incentives like discounted rents to local people that meet the local connection criteria.

“Our aim is to create a sustainable, high-quality development that not only provides much needed homes but also genuinely regenerates the local area. We are committed to delivering a scheme that the community in Seaforth can be proud of for years to come.”

More, high quality homes in Sefton

Sefton Council Leader Cllr Marion Atkinson said: “This scheme is in line with our support for the Government’s national housing policy, focusing on the delivery of more, high quality homes in Sefton.

“Importantly, refurbishing Vine House also helps us meet the ambitions set out in our Housing and Homelessness strategies by bringing a long‑term empty building back into use. This will increase the supply of good‑quality, energy‑efficient homes, and prioritising lets for people with a local connection.”

Retrofit rather than demolition

Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills, whose portfolio include Assets Management said: “By making the best use of existing assets like Vine House, we can reduce pressure on our waiting lists, cut carbon through retrofit rather than demolition, and support the wider regeneration of Seaforth.

“This is about delivering the right homes in the right places for our residents—safe, modern and affordable—while helping to sustain vibrant, resilient communities.”

You can find out more about housing in Sefton here.