We’re pleased to share that Sefton Council has approved our plans for an innovative later living community for over-55s in Seaforth. Our Sandy Road project will deliver 63 apartments for specialist provider, Housing 21, and it is the first of three affordable housing developments that we have in the pipeline for sites in Sefton.

Safeguarding design quality

Design detail and sensitivity are critically important to us, and being able to safeguard design quality and originality is the main reason why Group/d has evolved from an architectural practice into a development company.

The quality of collaboration with Sefton Council and Housing 21 has been integral to creating a thoughtful design for Sandy Road that received no objections.

Housing 21’s James Lawton said: “There is a strong synergy between ourselves and Group/d in terms of our approach to place making and home making. We are delighted to be moving forward with them on this project, but are also excited by the potential of our future collaboration.

“We are an aging society and we need to be more thoughtful and imaginative in how we provide homes for our residents, and how they integrate into thriving and sustainable neighbourhoods.”

A pioneering approach

Often housing for older people has a functional and institutional feel that doesn’t recognise or balance people’s twin needs for privacy and belonging.

Our pioneering approach aims to provide residents in Seaforth with genuine independence whilst fostering a strong and inclusive community spirit – with an emphasis on openness and connectivity. 

From the outset we set out with a determination to create a community, and a sense of place that gives residents their own personal space, but also attractive spaces for socialising, relaxation and recreation. 

We believe it’s really important that design fosters a sense of connection to the local neighbourhood, as well as to the natural world. Letting in light and nature is so important to human wellbeing, and it’s been another guiding principle for this project.

The scheme includes an improved public footway and cycleway to help integrate the development into its local setting, and the south facing communal garden will be an inviting and animated natural space at the heart of a community, not just a piece of functional landscaping.

We expect to be on site before the end of March with the first residents moving into their new homes in 2028.

To view the full project click here