Liverpool planning committee approves two key development schemes for city

Two key schemes for Liverpool were unanimously approved by the city council’s planning committee this morning (October 1).

Manchester-based property developer, Capital&Centric, had applied for full planning permission to refurbish the former Littlewoods Pools Building, on Edge Lane, in the Old Swan West Ward, and convert it into TV and film studios, already dubbed ‘The Hollywood of the North’.

The application for the £70m scheme includes leisure and food and drink floorspace of approximately 2,000 sq m.

Council officers recommended approval for the application, which has been described by agents for the scheme as “a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

A cinema, alongside two bars with outdoor seating, is proposed to be erected in the hangar area between the east and west wings. The north sections of the east and west wings will be developed into commercial office space.

The Art Deco Littlewoods building was built in 1938 as headquarter of the John Moores football pools enterprise, but has been vacant since 1994. It is not listed but is a non-designated heritage asset.

In recommending the application, planning officer comments in the council notes said: “This ambitious project offers a comprehensive scheme, lead (sic) by a film studio development, that promises to rejuvenate a derelict and dilapidated building, and a vacant site identified for industrial/business development. 

“Subject to conditions, the proposal would raise no residential or environmental amenity concerns, would cause no detrimental impact upon the surrounding highway network or give rise to any highway safety issues, would provide the highest standard of accessibility.”

Cllr William Shortall, who is ward councillor for the location, said: “It will bring much needed jobs, and high value jobs.”

Cllr Peter Norris added: “This is a wonderful planning application. I really welcome it and think it is a fantastic proposal.”

John Moffat, Joint Managing Director at Capital&Centric, said: “This is a huge moment for Littlewoods and for the city as we now have the green light to deliver the Hollywood of the North. Liverpool already has a reputation as a world class filming destination. The Littlewoods Project will take it to the next level, providing much needed indoor studio space and support facilities.” 

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “The transformation of the Littlewoods building into a world class, cross-sector film, TV and creative campus is a game-changer for the Liverpool City Region. It’s a testament to our growing reputation as a centre for creativity and innovation.

“It’s fantastic to see our vision for the ‘Hollywood of the North’ take another step towards becoming a reality, and we’re proud to support this iconic development with a £17m investment.” 

Cllr Nick Small, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet member for Growth and Economy, said: “It’s fantastic news that the Littlewoods Project has been greenlit by the city’s Planning Committee. It means the stage is set for it to play a lead role in transforming Liverpool’s TV and Film offer. There’s still some plot development to take place and we’ll be working closely with Capital & Centric and the combined authority to ensure a truly blockbuster scheme is delivered.”

It is anticipated that the Littlewoods Project will bring around 4,000 full-time equivalent jobs in the region’s creative sector. 

The team behind the Littlewoods Project includes architect shedkm and planners Avison Young.

Meanwhile, the committee also unanimously approved a bid to convert the upper floors of the city centre’s Cavern Walks Shopping Centre into a 283-room hotel complex.

Greenwood Developments and JSM are behind the proposal, which was recommended for approval by planning officers. Liverpool’s Falconer Chester Hall is the architect for the scheme.

The committee originally unanimously approved a plan to develop a 150-room hotel on the Mathew Street site in April, 2023.

However, the plans were back before the committee with the aim of almost doubling the number of rooms, which involves a different internal configuration of hotel rooms.

The existing retail units will be retained on the lower ground floor.

The original scheme proposed large numbers of multi-bedded rooms, ranging from six beds to one bed within each room, to accommodate group as well as individuals/couples.

The latest plans focus on floors one to seven at the Cavern Quarter site, built over the original Cavern Club where the Beatles performed in the early 1960s.

Greenwood Developments and JSM bought Cavern Walks for £7m in 2022. They have agreed a deal to develop a Motto by Hilton hotel on the site.

In the planning notes, council officers said: “It is considered that the principle of hotel accommodation is acceptable in this location is acceptable.

“The development will provide the building with a viable use that compliments the other Cavern Quarter businesses.

“Requirements for inclusive access have been met through revisions to the scheme and the alternative layout hereby proposed complies with inclusive design policy. The proposal is acceptable in terms of highways and amenity safeguards can be secured by the imposition of the recommended planning conditions.”

Cllr Shortall said: “I think it is a good use. We want as much hotel space as possible, so I welcome the project.”