Developers launch £200m plans for commercial business district
Plans for a £200m mixed-use scheme in the heart of Liverpool’s commercial business district (CBD) have been submitted by joint developers Kier Property and CTP.
The masterplan comprises 400,000 sq ft of offices, a 280-bedroom hotel, associated retail and leisure amenities, as well as landscaped green space and public realm.
Liverpool City Council is also working with the developers in a joint venture partnership to deliver the project which will regenerate the site, located at the rear of the former Exchange rail station site which was converted into office use.
The 1.2-hectare site provides for the natural expansion of the commercial district in Liverpool city centre.
Subject to approval, construction of the first office building and public realm will start early in 2020.
This 112,000 sq ft building will be positioned on Bixteth Street and will be the first of three buildings at Pall Mall.
Liverpool City Council is currently coordinating remediation and enabling works on site, funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority–Single Investment Fund.
Willmott Dixon is acting as main civils contractor, with Manchester enabling subcontractor Chartrange.
The remediation works are scheduled to complete this Autumn with a substation relocation to follow on with work anticipated to complete Spring 2020.
Tom Gilman, managing director of Kier Property North, said: “We believe that the development will have a transformative effect in terms jobs and economic activity which will support further regeneration in Liverpool’s commercial business district.”
David Topham, director of CTP said: “Pall Mall is going to be a major catalyst project for Liverpool. The scheme will deliver new state of the art office accommodation in the heart of the CBD that meets and exceeds current sustainability standards.
“Importantly, the scheme is delivering a new centrepiece green square which will be well managed, be bio-diverse, safe and accessible to all, creating a new and relaxing space in the heart of the business district.”
Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, added: “The proposed Pall Mall scheme is of huge importance to the development of our commercial business district. Liverpool city centre needs new Grade A office space to attract companies and highly skilled jobs so we can continue to grow our economy.
“I’m greatly encouraged by the thinking behind the scheme’s lay out and delighted the emphasis is as much on the quality of the place as it is on the design of the buildings. We’re looking at how we can develop the district and this scheme can act as a signpost for the future aspirations for the area.”
However, earlier this year the development of the site attracted opposition, particularly over the remediation of Bixteth Gardens, when campaigners unsuccessfully tried to halt the gardens being developed.
