Forums Forums Wirral History : Chasing the Past Wirral History Phoenix Bungalows

In 1945 the first of the Phoenix Bungalows (Pre-Fabs) appeared, designed by Yorkshireman Mr Jack W Gibson, Civil Engineer, who also helped build the Mulberry Port, (D-Day)

They were designated for bombed out families and returning ex servicemen, they cost £700 each and the first were placed on the land heavily bombed between Park Station and Price Street. The site was expected to hold 60 to 80 bungalows and Birkenhead expected to have about 300 in total.

My Auntie and Uncle lived in a small estate of Pre-Fabs on Highfield South,Rock Ferry, where the Ward Grove flats are built now. Painted black and white on the outside and nice and airy inside, 1bedroom, small kitchen and bathroom and a nice lounge. Outside each one had a small garden for growing vegetables.

I remember some as a kid but I don't have memories of the size I have come across in the papers.

Living room, 15 feet by 10 feet
2 Bedrooms, 12 feet 3 inches by 10 feet 1 inch. with fitted wardrobes in partition wall.
Kitchen with cupboards and fittings.

There where some came from the USA and people moving in where surprised to find a fully fitted kitchen including a fridge, not many had a fridge in those days.

There's a report in the 1949 Liverpool Echo about the rapid deterioration of the 102 American Prefabs Bootle have residents occupying.
A spokesman said they hoped to get 10years plus and they are not yet 3 years old. Internal repairs needed and all doors made of plywood need replacing due to rot. (I assume external)

Below image, August 1946, various premises provided.