Sourced Development Group boss speaks of pride as key gateway project accelerates

Joanne Waller started her career in conveyancing and is now managing director of Sourced Development Group, which has residential and commercial sites across Liverpool and Manchester

Sourced is working on a number of gateway sites across Liverpool, including Scotland Road and Tuebrook, with Ms Waller believing the work will transform areas of the city “left neglected”.

Ms Waller says: “There is so much opportunity in Liverpool and we are excited to build more than 1,000 new homes for local people.”

The property firm is currently working on several projects, including a vital one in Tuebrook, known as Derby Court.

Meanwhile, the developer’s site on Scotland Road will change the area’s “whole outlook”, with Ms Waller adding: “It’s been quite derelict for some time and this changes the whole outlook of Scotland Road completely.

“It’s transforming something unloved and neglected – a bit like upcycling. It’s special when it’s an area that’s personal to you.

“Any investment in Liverpool is good for everybody. It boosts the economy, boosts jobs and boosts morale.”

As one of the few female bosses in a male-dominated industry, Ms Waller says that although it has its challenges, her gender acts as a huge source of pride when the company is delivering state-ofthe-art projects.

She adds: “Property development and wider construction is a great industry to be in as a woman, it’s fast-paced, exciting and challenging, and no two days are the same. 30 years ago, I’d have never imagined working in construction, and at that time, it was not encouraged, but I am so happy to be here.

“Seeing your projects develop from the initial design to completion is one of the most fulfilling aspects of working in this industry. We are providing homes for families and individuals to start a new chapter in their lives; what could be more rewarding than that?

“Women remain massively underrepresented in the sector, but little by little, we are seeing a muchneeded positive shift with more women taking on construction roles at various levels of seniority.

“The rise of organisations such as

‘Women in Construction’ is helping to normalise the position of women in the industry, which is fantastic, particularly with gender fluidity and broader inclusivity.

“This is something that needs encouragement from school level, rather than gender-traditional courses being pushed on our teenagers. The world is changing, and the construction industry needs to evolve with it.”