Prima Wins Coveted Award for Resident-led Mixed Community Housing Development

A new state-of-the-art supported living and general needs scheme in Knowsley that was co-designed with residents has won a leading award.

Dinas Lane scooped the Housing Investment of the Year title at the Knowsley Business Awards.

The award recognised the quality of the design and construction along with the contribution to tackling specific and diverse housing needs and working in a collaborative manner with the Local Authority and their partners.

The development was created by housing association Prima Group in partnership with Knowsley Council to promote an inclusive environment.

The £3.7 million scheme sees 20 apartments offered at affordable rent that were designed following collaboration with residents to meet local needs.

Prima Group’s Chief Executive, John Ghader, said: “Now in its 21st year, the awards are really well respected throughout the North West so we are very proud to have won and that such an important scheme has been recognised.

“It is testimony to the forward-thinking approach we and Knowsley Council took in creating a development alongside residents to make sure people could lead more comfortable lives in modern, purpose-built homes.

“Being able to provide general, specialist, accessible and adaptable housing under one roof means we are catering for Knowsley residents with diverse needs while the integrated supported housing element reduces reliance on social services.”

Dinas Lane is made up of two distinct blocks built on derelict brownfield land that was previously used as a milk bottling and distribution plant.

Fern Lodge has 11 apartments, four of which are fully wheelchair accessible featuring powered door access, fall and rise kitchens and dual access wet rooms.

Bracken Court is a supported living block with nine apartments that enables residents with additional needs to live independently with person-centred support delivered on-site.  

Dinas Lane also has a hub that provides support to residents and acts as a core base for wider community services.

Every apartment has a Switchee smart heating controller so residents can manage their heating efficiently and can help reduce energy bills.

The scheme, built by Liverpool-based SME contractor Wellcare Construction, includes eight communal electric vehicle charging points and dedicated facilities for e-bikes and mobility scooters to promote low-carbon transport.

KWL Architects took responsibility for the design and their attention to detail and commitment to the project contributed to its successful integration in the existing surroundings whilst providing a contemporary feel.

Outside, residents can enjoy large communal gardens designed to encourage diverse wildlife habitats.

Funding support saw Homes England provide £1.25 million and £51,000 from Knowsley Council.

Speaking when Dinas Lane was finished, Cllr Del Arnall, Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “I’m delighted to see this scheme complete, providing much-needed supported living and general needs accommodation for our residents.

“Working in partnership with Prima Group, we’ve also been able to create a greater choice too for residents, helping them to live independently.”