Liverpool's housing market has been given a timely boost.

Eight housing schemes which had stalled because of the economic downturn are to be reinvigorated after being shortlisted under the 'Kickstart' scheme for special government assistance.

Projects could include more than 700 homes for sale, shared ownership or rent in some of the most important renewal areas in the city. The eight development sites are located in Anfield, Garston, Norris Green and Edge Hill.

Councillor Marilyn Fielding, Liverpool's Executive Member for Safer, Stronger Communities, said: "This is great news for the city's housebuilders and will safeguard jobs in the construction industry. It will also help with re-housing in the city's highest priority renewal areas. The initiative will help boost house sales locally as many of the houses will be affordable and offered on attractive terms through shared ownership and will restore confidence in local housing market.

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"We have done exceptionally well with the North West being the region having the most successful schemes and Liverpool having the highest number short-listed in the North West."

The £400m 'Kickstart' scheme was announced in this year's budget. Fourteen developers from Liverpool made bids for funding in June and eight schemes were shortlisted to benefit from the multi-million pound programme.

Developers of the projects will present their case to the Homes and Communities Agency, the government agency handling the kickstart programme before a final decision and allocation of funds is announced in September.

Under the Kickstart programme, all building work is expected to begin before the end of March 2010 and be completed by 31 March 2011. Schemes must have received planning permission by September 2009.

(CD/KMcA)