This model of Birch Street sheltered housing in Skelmersdale is one of a collection of architectural models used to plan the redevelopment of the town in the 1960s, when it was earmarked as part of the 'New Towns' scheme.

The New Towns commission was launched to provide housing and employment opportunities for rapidly expanding urban areas that had also been badly affected by the Second World War. The re-development of Skelmersdale in particular was designed to help alleviate the overcrowding in Liverpool and the wider Merseyside area. The scheme provided better homes and it allowed for slum clearance too.

The design of the new town was focused on providing easy access to amenities, green spaces and offering a modern home environment. Many of the new residents of Skelmersdale came from cramped and poor living conditions. In contrast, the new development was designed to provide not only relief from these conditions but a fresh start for residents, promoting new job opportunities and lifestyle prospects. 'New towns' were also designed around the car which is why Skelmersdale is famous for its many roundabouts!

While the Skelmersdale housing development was designed to look unique, there was a brutalist and modernist design which ran through all 'New Town' development schemes of the era.