£15m residential development scheme for Liverpool

PLANS for a £15m residential-led development in a derelict site in Liverpool’s Georgian quarter have been submitted.

The proposal for the land at the corner of Falkner Street and Bedford Street has been tabled by developer Elliot Group.

The home of the former Toxteth Community College is also to return to educational use, in part, with women’s training organisation and social enterprise, Blackburne House, set to take 8,000sq ft of space on the ground floor of the development.

The scheme, designed by Liverpool architects Falconer Chester Hall, will provide 109 homes over four floors, taking as its cue the fenestration and roof lines of the surrounding Georgian terraces.

“We’ve created something of its time but which is very respectful of its neighbours,” said Alastair Shepherd, a director at Falconer Chester Hall.

“The homes are mostly spacious one and two bedroom units for couples and young families as this is primarily a residential neighbourhood and one where demand for homes of this type dramatically exceeds supply. We are also very excited about the new garden space which benefits building occupiers and the neighbouring nursery.”

The area, famous for its wide Georgian streets and squares, borders the city’s knowledge quarter to the north and the city centre to the west.

Educational trust Blackburne House occupies the former Liverpool Institute High School for Girls further along Falkner Street and has been looking for space to expand its range of training programs and social enterprise initiatives.

Blackburne House chief executive Claire Dove said: “Blackburne House has been seeking additional space for the expansion of its educational and employment offer for local people for some time.

“This development is both in-keeping with the area and in the heart of the community we serve so it is an amazing opportunity for Blackburne House and our learners of the future.”

The scheme’s planning application is scheduled to be heard in February and, if approved, work is expected to commence in the Spring.