Derwent’s Edge Lane scheme approved
A MAJOR redevelopment of a retail park on Liverpool’s Edge Lane has been approved by city planners.
Derwent Holdings’ £200m scheme will redevelop Edge Lane Retail Park but also take in some surrounding land, including a park, to create 890,000 sq ft of commercial development, retail and leisure units and 1,800 parking places.
Derwent, the property group owned by tycoon Albert Gubay, has previously said it was ready to start work as soon as it was granted consent.
Manchester-based architect AEW has been working on the designs with Derwent. Managing director Steve Burne said: “We are absolutely delighted to have received this decision after years of hard work from the team.
“This is a very significant project for the region at a time of continuing uncertainty and we are looking forward to delivering the first phase as soon as possible.”
A report prepared ahead of yesterday’s planning meeting revealed concerns about the scheme from some of the city’s top retail businesses.
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TJ Hughes was concerned about the impact of traffic on its nearby distribution centre and also feared the development would hit trade at its London Road store.
Grosvenor, the Duke of Westminster’s property company which owns the Liverpool One shopping centre, expressed concern that it could harm city centre traders. “Regeneration should not be at the expense of achieving long term investment and success for Liverpool city centre,” said the group.
Business and residents have also been angered by the loss of Rathbone Park and some residential land.
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