Plans submitted for ‘transformational’ Toxteth retail development

Lodge Lane, the retail heart of Toxteth, could be home to Liverpool’s first shipping container retail scheme if a planning application is approved.

Developer CanCo promises a ‘funky, urban development’ that takes its lead from similar schemes in Shoreditch and Brixton in London.

And, its says, it will be giving local retailers and entrepreneurs first refual on the 14 available units.

“Lodge Lane succeeds because it meets the needs of its local community and, in doing so, has become a draw for the wider city,” said Nathan Schreiber of CanCo.

“It’s a big success and try finding an empty shop unit. You won’t,” he said.

“Our aim is to provide more room for local entrepreneurs to grow their businesses in a low-cost, high quality setting.”

If granted permission the development will use refurbished, insulated shipping containers to provide fourteen 150 sq ft units with glazed frontages.

The units will be laid out around a landscaped central courtyard on a site bounded by Lodge Lane and Grierson Street, with containers painted different colours and some stacked two-high to offer a striking, modern frontage.

CanCo says it has been in constructive discussions with stakeholders to ‘craft the best possible scheme’ and says that if planning permission is granted it hopes to be on-site by the autumn to build the scheme.

“Liverpool Council have been very helpful,” said Mr Schreiber.

“Lodge Lane is a great neighbourhood and we want to add to its appeal whilst giving local residents the opportunity to set up or expand their businesses.”

The company says the development will target a mix of retailers and other businesses and will offer easy-in, easy-out terms to help reduce the risks associated with establishing a new enterprise.

“We want to provide an environment where retailers can test new concepts and products,” said Mr Schreiber.

“These are difficult times for the High Street but with the right focus on place-making and meeting local needs we know places like Lodge Lane can continue to thrive.”