More than 100 homes in Knotty Ash are being vacated
More than 100 homes in Knotty Ash are being vacated
Many retirees have started to leave two Liverpool tower blocks earmarked for closure next year. The ECHO revealed last year how residents of around 120 homes at Ash Grange and Oak Grange in Knotty Ash will have to move after Housing 21 told residents ten storey tower blocks were no longer viable for extended use.
A structural survey concluded that while the 60 year-old buildings were safe for occupation, the concrete frames could deteriorate within the next five to 10 years. It is expected the blocks will be knocked down and the land used to build a new facility.
It has now been confirmed a number of those living in the blocks have begun the process of finding new places to live. Dozens still remain in the decades-old properties with an expectation the towers will be empty by next year.
The two tower blocks off Brookside Avenue were originally built as local authority housing in the 1960s. The buildings comprise a total of 122 retirement living apartments.
It is understood that the cost, disruption and uncertainty associated with remedial works, which could take up to two years, meant refurbishment was not seen as a viable long-term option for Housing 21, a not-for-profit provider of extra care and retirement living. It is thought there is no immediate safety risk to residents, who are be rehoused over a period of at least 18 months.
The provider is expected to cover all moving costs for residents and will provide a home loss payment of £8,000. Neither block will close until all residents have been offered alternative housing.
In June last year, Kris Peach, Housing 21’s managing director for extra care, told the ECHO how once the sites have been vacated, plans had been drawn up for their future.
He said: “We plan to redevelop the site into a new Extra Care scheme, linking to the existing Extra Care scheme, Brookside House, ensuring the location continues to provide high-quality, affordable housing for older people in Liverpool.”
In a statement, a Housing 21 spokesperson confirmed the process of moving people out of the buildings had begun. They said: “In April 2025, we informed the residents of Ash Grange and Oak Grange we would be closing the buildings as both tower blocks had exceeded their 60-year life expectancy.
“Although both structures were – and remain – currently safe, they are expected to erode within the next five to 10 years. Since April, we have had a dedicated team of employees based on site to support residents with finding suitable alternative accommodation, including assisting with online applications.
“These employees have also helped with practical arrangements, such as organising removal companies, issuing financial compensation and managing on-site security measures.
“As of February 2026, we have successfully supported many residents into new properties, and several other households are in the process of accepting offers on alternative accommodation.
“Our employees will remain on site to continue supporting the remaining households with their search, including identifying vacant properties across Housing 21 and other housing providers in residents’ preferred relocation areas.”
