Liverpool City Council’s regeneration lead has seconded to Torus to accelerate housebuilding, regeneration and social investment opportunities in North Liverpool.

Sophie Bevan becomes Project Director of Joint Ventures and Renewal at Torus Developments having been Director of Regeneration at the local authority.

The secondment reflects the shared ambitions of Liverpool City Council and Torus to unlock regeneration opportunities and bring forward new models of investment that support housebuilding, retrofitting existing properties and long-term place-making.

The role will also provide strategic direction for Torus across North Liverpool by unlocking opportunities and accelerating deliver by tying into wider regeneration plans including Liverpool North Docks Mayoral Development Corporation and the North Liverpool New Town.

Working closely with private sector investors and partners, Liverpool City Council, Homes England and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, investment opportunities will be identified and delivery proposals overseen to unlock mixed-use, mixed-tenure housing projects.

Project Director of Joint Ventures and Renewal at Torus Developments, Sophie Bevan, said:

“It is a fantastic opportunity at a pivotal moment for Liverpool as we look to accelerate place-based housing-led regeneration in North Liverpool.

“By working closely with the private sector, Liverpool City Council, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Homes England we will create and then deliver an all-inclusive housing plan which will play an intrinsic role in the wider regeneration north of the city.

“Partnerships will be key not only to delivering housing at pace but also paving the way for growth and delivering better results for communities. We want to work with other housing associations, local organisations and businesses to make them part of this too because together we are stronger and will make a bigger, lasting impact.”

Torus already has a significant presence in North Liverpool with over 10,000 existing homes and last year opened Hartley Locks – a 195-property scheme overlooking the Hill Dickinson Stadium which has been the catalyst for wider regeneration and investment nearby.

Managing Director of Torus Developments, Chris Bowen, said:

“Sophie brings extensive regeneration, development, governance and partnership experience as well as deep knowledge of Liverpool’s strategic priorities and stakeholder landscape.

“Her secondment will support us in building on our presence in North Liverpool by making investment more attractive, strengthening relationships with other registered housing providers, private and public-sector partners to deliver long-term social and economic value.

“This is a positive opportunity to deepen collaboration across North Liverpool at a time when housing-led regeneration, renewal and inclusive growth are central to the city’s ambitions.”

Andrew Lewis, Chief Executive of Liverpool City Council, said:

“Sophie Bevan’s secondment to Torus, to work within the registered provider sector, is a further example of our commitment to deliver social and affordable homes across the city, and specifically in North Liverpool alongside our proposed Liverpool North Docks Mayoral Development Corporation.

“Sophie brings extensive regeneration and development experience, and I am confident her new role will strengthen the partnership to support renewal, new homes and social value for our communities.”