Heaps developer warns after heritage listing

THE developer behind a plan to demolish Liverpool’s historic Heaps Rice Mill and build five apartment blocks, says the scheme may now not be viable after the structure was granted Listed Building Status.

English Heritage granted the derelict mill Grade II status after a campaign was mounted by Merseyside Civic Society to save the Baltic Triangle-based building.

Elliot Lawless, a spokesman for Seychelles-based developer One Park Lane said retaining the mill building could drive away funders away from the scheme.

“We’ve been enjoying some productive discussions with the council about how to incorporate the mill into our wider ambitions for the site and we’re aiming to submit plans for a revised scheme by the end of August.  The listing doesn’t alter this.

“Discussions remain on-going but we’ve said all along that retaining the mill changes the funding needs for the scheme and introduces an element of risk.  It’s important to understand that without grant to stabilise the building and help reconfigure its interior it simply isn’t viable in the current market.  Values aren’t high enough to justify the investment needed.  

“Without grant there’s the risk of further decay whilst we wait to see if the market moves far enough to plug the gap.  The figures didn’t stack up at the height of the last boom so I’m sceptical that they might this time around, if I’m honest.

“There’s a further risk that our funding partners switch their focus to schemes that can offer a more immediate return so I’ve got some work to do my end in that regard.  They want to invest in Liverpool and like where the city’s headed so I’m hopeful we can keep them on-board.”

English Heritage said: “Heap’s Rice Mill is … not only one of the earliest, but one of the last surviving warehouse complexes in this area, serving as an important physical reminder of the area’s rich trading links and mercantile history.”