![New plan will save birthplace of Beatles drummer Ringo Starr]( "New plan will save birthplace of Beatles drummer Ringo Starr")
New plan "will save" birthplace of Beatles drummer Ringo Starr
The birthplace of former Beatle Ringo Starr will not be demolished if an ambitious new renovation scheme is accepted by Liverpool council chiefs.
The move comes just weeks after Housing Minister Grant Shapps stepped-in to grant a reprieve to Ringo's childhood home at 9 Madryn Street.
Standing on the historic 'Welsh Streets' estate in Dingle, Madryn Street which had been scheduled for clearance in scheme fostered by the former Labour Government.
Housing renovation firm Regeneration Express Ltd have held talks with council officials, and have a blueprint on how derelict homes can be turned into desirable properties.
Regeneration Express Managing Director, Ian Robinson is a recognised expert in the field who qualified as and EHO in Liverpool in 1970.
Mr Robinson said: "We held a meeting with senior officers from Liverpool city council at which we outlined what we believe can be achieved.
"They wanted to know what Regeneration Express could do for Liverpool and we were given seven days in which to submit our outline.
"At the meeting none of us mentioned the Welsh Streets by name.
"In fact they asked us to come-up with a programme of action for looking at various blighted areas of the city in Granby, Picton, and even Edge Lane.
"We are still awaiting a formal response from the city, but if we get the go ahead our number one priority will be the Welsh Streets."
Mr Robinson told how the Manchester-based firm aims to carry-out a structural survey on the 444 homes and the key services like drains and sewers in the Welsh Streets.
He said that a feasibility study would include an assessment of the local housing market conditions and the potential demand for the properties after renovation.
Mr Robinson added: "In the past the town hall policy has been to divide and pressure the residents of an area until they get a majority in favour of clearance.
"Our offer is all-embracing and takes a lot of effort on our part and that is very cost-effective for the council.
"We will do the surveys, draw up outline plan, consult with the residents and the council, and if res do not like the proposals, or the council can show it is not viable, then it will go no no further.
"But the crucial issue is that we now have the opportunity to provide an alternative to demolition and there is every reason to believe it can succeed.
"The Welsh Streets are one of the most difficult areas in the city in which to do this kind of scheme.
"Two-up, two-down houses are not the easiest to renovate to 2050 standards, but we have imaginative plans that will make each property viable at a cost of around #35,000.
"In my view demolition is a stupid idea unless the properties are structurally unstable and beyond salvage at an economic cost."
The firm's predecessor entity, The Affordable Housing Development Company (AHDC) worked in the city and won plaudits for turning around derelict terraced streets in Anfield.
Mr Robinson continued: "If the scheme is possible we will do it and it is common sense for the council to see the light and say 'Yes'.
"We saved Tancred Road in Anfield, but prior to refurbishment, it was described as the worst road in Liverpool.
"I believe we can do something very similar in the Welsh Streets and elsewhere in Liverpool."
The Welsh Streets Home Group say those living close to the empty homes are opposed to the bulldozers moving-in.
Spokeswoman Nina Edge said: "The people who agreed to demolition were in a minority and they have now either left, or never lived in the clearance zone.
"There are a handful of people remaining on the Welsh Streets who want to stay, and see as many homes as possible refurbished.
Beatles fans said they were now optimistic that Ringo's birthplace would be preserved for posterity.
Chairman of the Save Madryn Street campaign, Philip Coppell said: "These plans to save the Welsh Streets are an offer that they council simply cannot turn-down.
"It's wonderful news for Beatles fans in Liverpool and all over the world, that a really exciting solution has been put forward.
"We sincerely hope that the city will give Regeneration Express the chance to carry out a feasibility study and to consult with the community in Liverpool.
"Thousands of visitors come to see Number 9 Madryn Street every month.
"Now there is a real chance it can be turned into a proper tourist resource for the city and a facility that can help drive the regeneration of the whole area."
Liverpool City Council confirmed that the discussions with Regeneration Express had been "positive".
A town hall spokesman said: "Officers held a meeting with Regeneration Express and there was a positive feeling from the discussions.
"An outline of the blueprint for regeneration that they are putting forward has been received and is under consideration."
http://www.clickliverpool.com/news/local-news/1212194-regeneration-firm-promises-ringo-...
