Liverpool Labour leader, Cllr Joe Anderson, has kick started the long-awaited multi-million pound transformation of a run-down Liverpool estate.
Demolition work is getting underway at the Stonebridge Cross site, off the East Lancs Road, North Liverpool.
It paves the way for a £200 million regeneration scheme which will revitalise the area.
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The Stonebridge Cross scheme will deliver 500 new homes, new retail and commercial development and a new park.
Plans for the site, which was once occupied by the Gillmoss estate, also include the relocation of St John Bosco School and a new health centre.
Joe went down to the site, where he met with local residents Tommy Miller and Peter Lees.
Joe said: "This investment in Stonebridge Cross is long overdue. I’m delighted our Labour Council has backed the scheme, and I’m very pleased that we are now making it a reality.
"This will mean new homes, a new school, and more jobs."
"It is one of the key regeneration schemes taking place in Liverpool over the next three years and will benefit thousands of people for generations to come."
"We’re absolutely determined to drive forward the regeneration of our communities, and this fantastic development is proof that by working imaginatively with the private sector and local people we can deliver real, significant improvements, despite the difficult economic times."
Councillor Ann O’Byrne, Liverpool Labour’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Safety, and chair of InLiverpool, said: "I’m delighted work is starting at Stonebridge Cross – it’s fantastic news for local people.
"Improving our housing stock is a major priority for us, but the current economic challenges mean we need to do things differently. This development is a great example of how by taking an innovative approach, through our asset backed vehicle, we can transform communities and deliver the type of good quality, affordable homes people have told us they want."