£200m Edge Lane redevelopment takes a step closer

A MAJOR new £200m development in Liverpool which will transform the Edge Lane approach will be considered by the city’s executive this week.

The committee, which meets on Friday, is being urged to endorse the Edge Lane Central Development Framework – a plan for the area put forward by the landowner Derwent Holdings and the regeneration agency Liverpool Vision.

If the framework is approved detailed planning applications for different parts of the 28-hectare site will be submitted by Derwent from January.

Derwent and the city council have spent several years at loggerheads over the plans which now incorporate a new £200m leisure and retail park with 600,000 sq ft space, an extension at Rathbone Hospital, new industrial units and a park.

A report to the executive ahead of the meeting states: “To successfully contribute to wider regeneration initiatives a comprehensive approach is needed in the area’s renewal, rather than piecemeal refurbishment.

“The principles set out in the development framework are intended to ensure that Edge Lane central will generate a positive new image for Liverpool.”

Councillor Warren Bradley, leader of Liverpool City Council, said: “Edge Lane is a vital part of the city – not only is it a major residential and employment area, it is many visitors’ first sight of Liverpool when they leave the M62. In recent years the image presented has not been a good one to say the least.

“What we are looking at is a comprehensive redevelopment and now we can embark on a new future – and not just for people passing through the area. We will have a much improved retail offer which will act as a catalyst for regeneration in this area, much as the New Mersey Retail Park has done to that part of the city.”

Once the framework is approved it is planned that local businesses, residents groups and other agencies will help guide the project and be consulted on specific elements of the scheme as they emerge, starting with the new community park.

John Taylor from Derwent Holdings said: “Everybody involved in the scheme has worked incredibly hard for this progress to be made and we are sure that the scheme will benefit, not only the immediate area, but the city as a whole.”

Jim Gill chief executive of Liverpool Vision added: “The Edge Lane corridor is a key priority for Liverpool Vision and we can now move ahead with an exciting and comprehensive vision for the whole area.

“There will be immediate environmental improvements that will complement the successful regeneration work along the rest of the Edge Lane corridor that has been completed. Other work is progressing well and has already brought economic and community benefits. 

“The new Rocket junction and Edge Lane Drive have been transformed, the Innovation Park has a spectacular new entrance and a new road which links Edge Lane and Wavertree Road and work on Edge Lane West has now begun after significant delays.

“A positive decision on the Central area and the future of the Retail Park not only enhances the city’s out of town retail offer but will bring further benefits to residents, businesses and the city as a whole.

“It will also mean significant investment opportunities at a time when development activity has been curtailed in the current economic downturn and likely to be for some time and this can only be welcomed.”