Victoria Road - Merseyside's most desirable post code

Premier League heroes have played their part in turning a Formby backwater into Merseyside’s most desirable post code.
Located in the Freshfield area, Victoria Road has been home to a string of star footballers and managers over the last 15 years. Land Registry data named Victoria Road as the most expensive housing location within Merseyside as its average house price is £780,000.
In the year of 2015, Jurgen Klopp - Liverpool's FC manager moved into the Formby mansion Brendan Rodgers had previously bought from Steven Gerrard. The Reds’ manager; who has become a popular figure in the village has been seen in local pubs and restaurants in Formby. The multi-million pound mansion has a market rental value of several thousands per month and rents can go as high as £12,000 per month on Victoria Road.
Jurgen Klopp has previously won back to back league titles with Borussia Dortmund in Germany, was appointed Liverpool manager shortly after Rodgers’ left the club. Both men have spoken highly of each other in the past and enjoy a good relationship.
In 2005; Steven Gerrard bought the house. The seven bedroom property was built by a Formby based property developer. In 2005; this house was the biggest house to be built in Formby for 90 years with boasted seven-bedrooms, three living rooms, a home cinema, an indoor swimming pool and a landscaped garden.
In 2008, Steven Gerrard built a state-of-art gym at the bottom of the home’ garden. At the time Gerrard’s architect, David Dickerson of DK Architects, said the pavilion would feature hand worked copper panels and large expanses of frameless glazing, giving uninterrupted views through and across the pavilion. He said: “The pavilion has been conceived as a glass box sat within the grounds of our client’s house, and is situated within a stunning and integrated landscaping proposal, with elements such as free standing bronze walls and beautiful water features, which tie the proposed pavilion back into the main house.”
Sefton Council approved the plans and the gym was built. Steven Gerrard also decided to sell up in 2015 after announcing his decision to move on from Anfield and play professional football in LA Galaxy. Steven Gerrard has also been spotted back in the village since announcing his retirement from professional football.
Former Everton stars Duncan Ferguson and Wayne Rooney were two of the first big famous Premiership stars to move to Victoria Road. At the age of 18; Wayne Rooney bought his home for £900,000 in 2004.
Builders soon began excavating the land next door, as they began work on the multi-million pound home that Gerrard would eventually move into.
Duncan Ferguson also lived on Victoria Road while he was playing for Everton; he announced that plans to build a block of apartments on land next to his home. Some neighbours complained that the plans would ruin the character of the area and the scheme was eventually dismissed.
Match of the day stars; Shearer and Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock also lived on the road. In recent more recent years a younger generation of Liverpool FC players have arrived in the area.
Today, parts of Formby are reported to be the most attractive post codes within Merseyside. Developers claim the area has become a sweet spot in the way Alderley Edge became the place to live in north Cheshire in the 1990s. There are currently plans to build two stunning £10m homes nearby.
One developer has said that: “Formby has everything a post code needs. A great beach, great schools, and a lovely village. Also, Formby had a degree of separation from the towns that surround it. It’s Merseyside’s Alderley Edge. That is we are seeing these £10m mega-mansions being built in the area.”
Victoria Road was built in the late 19th century following the construction of Freshfield station. Landowner Charles Weld-Blundell wanted to build a seaside development, with a tramway connection at Freshfield station. By 1892 the road reached up to Larkhill Lane.
Today, Victoria Road is one of Merseyside’s elite addresses as it has a clutch of multi-million pound homes. Victoria Road leads down to Formby Point, which is famous for its stunning beach and scenic pine wood trail which is home to a thriving red squirrel community.
Photograph from http://edition.cnn.com/2015/10/17/football/liverpool-klopp-tottenham-epl/