Revised Lime Street plan launched
RADICALLY revised plans for the regeneration of one of Liverpool’s most famous streets have been revealed.
The bold new vision for the East side of Lime Street has been designed following consultation on an earlier scheme in April by Neptune Street working with Liverpool City Council.
The redesigned buildings, incorporating hotel, shops, restaurants and student accommodation, nclude the potential semi-pedestrianisation of the area between the Crown and Vine pubs.
Another key element of the vision is a proposal to create an entirely new kind of entertainment and media hub in the restored ABC cinema.
The listed Art Deco building has been vacant for nearly two decades but is set to become both a major live music venue and a studio for the production and broadcast of international TV programmes.
The complex will house, TV production facilities, three restaurants, a coffee shop and basement cocktail bar as well as a performance auditorium and two TV studios.
One of the core ideas underpinning the business plan for the venue is a new live TV music and chat show from Liverpool with a transatlantic link-up to New York.
The vision is the brainchild of Liverpool music entrepreneur Mark Cowley, who said: “We have been working for more than a year on the project and have already had massive interest and support from leading media companies, collaborators and promoters.
“This is a fantastic building and has all the versatility and space we need, for what will be a unique media and performance destination.”
Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said: “Lime Street is one of the major gateways into and out of the city and has been neglected for far too long. It is crucial that any scheme is ambitious and creates the best possible first impression of the city. I am pleased that the architects have listened to the feedback from the consultation and created something that I believe will make this part of Liverpool vibrant and exciting.”
The revised plans will now go forward for consideration by Liverpool City Council’s planning committee before the end of July, with further public consultation taking place until July 23.
Lead Architect for the scheme Matt Brook from Broadway Malyan is keen for people to take part in the consultation.
“Liverpool people are passionate about their city as evidenced by the debate about the previous scheme. That dialogue has helped shape the new design and we are keen to keep the conversation open over the next few weeks.”
