London-based investor and developer Bentry Capital has announced a major £500 million construction programme set to deliver 1,000 new homes across Liverpool, Salford, and London over the next three years. This initiative marks a significant investment in the UK's housing market, with a strong focus on key regional cities.
Key Takeaways
- Bentry Capital has launched a £500 million construction plan to build 1,000 new homes within three years.
- The initial phase of development will focus on sites in Liverpool, Salford, and London.
- The company also plans to secure land for an additional 1,000 units in major UK university cities, including Liverpool.
- Liverpool-based construction firm Mellior Group has been incorporated as Bentry Capital's in-house national building arm.
Details of the £500m Housing Programme
Bentry Capital has outlined a clear and ambitious three-year strategy to address housing needs in key urban areas. The core of this plan is a £500 million investment designated for the construction of 1,000 new residential properties. This initial phase targets three strategically important cities: Liverpool, Salford, and London.
The programme is designed to deliver a diverse range of housing options, although specific details on the types of homes and their exact locations are expected to be released as individual projects receive planning approval. The three-year timeline suggests a rapid pace of development, aiming to bring new housing stock to the market efficiently.
This investment underscores a strong confidence in the property markets of these cities. By selecting Liverpool and Salford alongside the capital, Bentry Capital is signalling its belief in the economic growth and residential demand present in the North West of England.
Investment at a Glance
Total Investment: £500 million
Initial Target: 1,000 new homes
Timeline: 3 years
Primary Locations: Liverpool, Salford, London
Strategic Expansion into University Cities
Beyond the initial 1,000 homes, Bentry Capital has a broader vision for expansion. The company has stated its goal to secure sites for up to 1,000 additional units over the same three-year period. This second phase of its strategy specifically targets key regional university cities, highlighting a focus on areas with strong, sustained rental demand and population growth.
The cities identified for this expansion are:
- Liverpool
- Birmingham
- Sheffield
- Leeds
- Manchester
This list includes some of the UK's most populous and economically dynamic urban centres outside of London. The common thread is a large student population and a growing number of young professionals, which drives demand for modern housing.
Focus on Brownfield Regeneration
A key element of Bentry Capital's strategy is its focus on regeneration areas and large brownfield sites. This approach involves redeveloping land that has been previously used for industrial or commercial purposes but is now derelict or underutilised. Opting for brownfield sites is a sustainable development practice that helps protect green spaces and revitalises neglected urban areas.
What Are Brownfield Sites?
Brownfield land is a term used in urban planning to describe land previously developed but not currently in use. Developing these sites is often prioritised by local authorities as it helps to regenerate urban areas, reduce urban sprawl, and make use of existing infrastructure, such as transport links and utilities.
By targeting these locations, Bentry Capital's projects are likely to contribute significantly to local regeneration efforts. This can lead to improved public spaces, new amenities, and increased economic activity in the surrounding communities, aligning with the levelling-up agenda and local council objectives.
Liverpool's Central Role and Local Partnership
Liverpool features prominently in both phases of Bentry Capital's strategy. The city is not only one of the primary locations for the initial 1,000-home development programme but is also on the target list for the subsequent acquisition of sites for another 1,000 units. This dual focus indicates a strong commitment to investing in the Liverpool City Region's property market.
A significant development for the local economy is Bentry Capital's decision to incorporate a Liverpool-based firm, Mellior Group, as its in-house national construction division. This move ensures that local expertise and labour will be central to the delivery of its national portfolio. It is a major vote of confidence in the quality and capability of the construction sector in Merseyside.
The integration of Mellior Group will likely streamline the construction process, giving Bentry Capital greater control over project timelines, costs, and quality. For Liverpool, this means the creation and security of local jobs and a boost to the regional supply chain, as a local company takes the lead on a nationwide construction programme.
Market Implications and Future Outlook
The announcement from Bentry Capital arrives at a time when the demand for high-quality housing in major UK cities continues to outstrip supply. The £500 million investment represents a substantial injection of capital into the residential construction sector, particularly in the North West.
The focus on building in regeneration areas has the potential to transform parts of Liverpool and Salford, turning disused land into vibrant new neighbourhoods. Such projects often act as catalysts, encouraging further investment and development in the surrounding areas. This can lead to a positive cycle of economic growth and urban improvement.
With a clear three-year plan and a combined target of up to 2,000 new homes, Bentry Capital is positioning itself as a key player in the UK's urban residential market. The progress of its developments in Liverpool will be watched closely by industry experts and local authorities as a measure of the health and potential of the city's property sector.