Talking About Regeneration Putting Housing First For Growth: Joint GM & LCR APPG Session
This week, the Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs) came together to host a joint session focused on a critical challenge facing both regions and the UK as a whole: regeneration through housing-led growth.
Titled “Talking About Regeneration: Putting Housing First for Growth,” the session brought together MPs, local leaders, industry voices, and housing experts to shape a shared vision for how housing can underpin not only economic recovery but long-term transformation across our towns and cities.
At the heart of the conversation was a clear message: we must treat housing not just as a numbers game but as a catalyst for place-based growth, improved public services, and thriving, resilient communities.
A Foundation for Growth and Stronger Communities
Opening the session, Jo Platt MP (Chair, GM APPG) laid out the human side of regeneration:
“If we get transport right, we open up opportunity. Regeneration isn’t just about building homes it’s about creating thriving communities.”
This sentiment was echoed throughout the discussion, with contributors reinforcing the importance of housing as the foundation on which to build not just infrastructure, but prosperity, resilience and inclusion.
Patrick Hurley MP (Chair, LCR APPG) noted that our regions are ready to lead:“Liverpool City Region and Greater Manchester have the ambition and powers to lead the way, but we need Westminster to be an active partner in making it happen.”
At a time when the Government has set an ambitious target to build 1.5 million new homes, both Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region have shown they are ready to step up with a clear ask for long-term certainty, upfront investment, and planning reform that works for people.
The Scale of the Challenge and the Opportunity
Dr. Tom Arnold of the Heseltine Institute reminded attendees of the scale of the housing challenge we face as a country: “The UK has the oldest housing stock in Europe—one in four homes was built before WWI.”
Meanwhile, Professor Richard Dunning highlighted the importance of putting strategic planning at the centre of the housing conversation:“LCR and GM have incredible geography, but we need the right homes in the right places. Strategic planning is key to maximising growth and opportunity.”
This is not just about meeting targets. It’s about delivering housing that enables healthier living, supports clean growth, and brings services, infrastructure and opportunity together in a way that reflects the needs and ambitions of local people.
Local Delivery, Long-Term Vision
Paul Buntin, Head of Development at the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, emphasised that regeneration must be people-focused, not process-led: “It’s about people, not just projects. We need more simplicity and flexibility in funding to deliver real change.”
Part of that change is preparing for the future and building homes and communities that are ready to face the realities of climate change. Andrew Leyssens from United Utilities stressed the importance of sustainable design:“Regeneration is an opportunity to rethink how we manage surface water. Sustainable drainage must be a key design principle to create communities resilient to climate change.”
Rachael Baker, representing JJ Smith & Co and Future Homes LCR, closed the session with a rallying call to be ambitious:“We have the space, skills, and ambition to lead the way in sustainable housing and zero-bill homes let’s be brave and make it happen.”
The North is Stepping Up
Across both city regions, momentum is building. Greater Manchester has committed to building 10,000 homes by 2028, while Liverpool City Region is investing £259 million to boost energy efficiency in over 26,000 homes. Large-scale regeneration projects such as the Old Trafford neighbourhood regeneration, a proposed Mayoral Development Corporation in Bolton, and the Strategic Rail Freight Interchange in St Helens are all part of a wider push to put housing and place-making at the heart of growth.
As both APPGs made clear: now is the time to build consensus, unlock investment, and deliver real change for our communities.
Get in touch
Interested in sponsoring or supporting the work of the Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region APPGs?
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