A major milestone for community-led housing in Liverpool is underway, as The Florrie Community Land Trust (CLT), based in the heart of Dingle, prepares to take ownership of three key land parcels from Liverpool City Council.
The transfer, approved by the local authority, sets a powerful precedent for community asset ownership, paving the way for a transformative development centred around The Florence Institute (The Florrie).
The ambitious plans include 97 new affordable homes, workspace for 11 small businesses, new green spaces, and a public civic courtyard—all designed to benefit and be owned by the local community.
Cllr Nick Small, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet member for Development and Growth, said:
“I’m delighted for The Florrie that their proposal for affordable and social housing in the heart of the L8 community can now move to the final stage of our Community Led Housing process. Their business case was of a high quality and financially robust, and the relationship they have developed with The Sovini Housing Group underscores the level of professionalism they’ve applied to making this dream a reality. The final phase is to develop a planning application and then the transfer of the land and we look forward to having further positive dialogue with The Florrie over the coming months.”
Roy Williams, CEO of The Sovini Group said:
“This is a monumental moment for The Florrie and for community-led housing across the country. Our involvement in this journey has been incredibly rewarding, witnessing firsthand the dedication and passion throughout the community to shape their own future. The Florrie is directly addressing the pressing need for local affordable housing and economic opportunities. This pioneering initiative with Liverpool City Council is empowering a community to take ownership of local housing demand and is a flagship example of what can be achieved when local authorities listen to their communities. I believe this model will inspire similar projects nationwide.”
Cllr Graham Morgan, Liverpool City Region Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration, said:
“In the midst of a housing crisis it is vital that we explore innovative ways to create the affordable social housing we so urgently need. This transfer of land to a well-loved community-led organisation to enable them to build nearly 100 homes is exactly the kind of creative approach we need to adopt. That’s why we are supporting the project’s development and I look forward to seeing it become a reality.”
The Florrie CLT has worked in partnership with The Sovini Group since 2019 to shape this long-term vision. Sovini will lead on both the development and management of the new homes. With formal approval now in place, momentum is building around the next phase of delivery.
This is one of the first major transfers under Liverpool City Council’s community asset transfer programme, aimed at empowering residents, tackling housing need, and keeping land in community ownership. The Florrie CLT’s model is rooted in long-term affordability and sustainability, ensuring homes remain accessible for future generations while reducing the charity’s dependency on short-term grants and commercial income.
More than a housing project, this development represents a blueprint for people-first regeneration. It will drive local economic growth, boost employment and enterprise, and strengthen The Florrie’s long-standing commitment to community wealth-building.
As The Florrie begins this next chapter, its mission remains clear: strong communities are built through places that put people at the centre.
Kirsty Woo, local resident and one of the Directors of The Florrie CLT said:
“Its an exciting time for everyone involved in the CLT and the transfer of the land is a major step forward. We are excited to start seeing our plans over the last six years move forward to the next phase”.
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