£8m tower block scheme gets thumbs up
PLANNING permission has been given to Liverpool Mutual Homes (LMH) to redevelop a landmark tower block on a major city gateway in a £8 million scheme.
Liverpool City Council’s planning committee approved plans that will see Marwood Tower transformed into modern apartments with a communal courtyard garden within the enclosed inner area.
The tower, which is on land between Great Homer Street and Kirkdale Road, will provide 81 apartments for people aged above 55.
LMH will completely refurbish 57 flats and build 24 new apartments to provide a mixture of one and two-bed properties.
Designs by John McCall Architects see the new building include an open space for residents.
The old and new buildings will be linked by covered walkways that open in the centre of the courtyard.
LMH chief executive, Steve Coffey, said: “This is fantastic news for the people who will live in the refurbished tower and also the immediate and wider area.
“When looked at as part of the Project Jennifer area, you can see a huge transformation of this part of Liverpool.
“Tenants will enjoy modern apartments that feature high living standards and a communal area with a range of facilities that will help foster a strong community spirit.
“For Liverpool as a city, the landmark building will be modernised considerably, giving it great kerb appeal to nearby residents and also the large number of people who pass by every day.
“Local residents attended a consultation event and expressed their pleasure with the plans and their comments were included in the proposal so it’s great news this is now going ahead.”
Associate at John McCall Architects, Phil Van Dyke, said: “Our designs focused on improving the visual appeal of the tower and increasing the number of apartments to meet housing demand.
“We have a long history of creating eco refurbishment schemes and have included solar panels on the new build roof, LED lights throughout, rainwater harvesting for the garden and the tower will be clad in energy efficient materials.”
