Stalled residential scheme comes to fruition after £35m spend
A STALLED residential scheme whose concrete skeleton blighted the UK’s largest collection of Grade 1-listed buildings for six years is set to be topped out.
The site, opposite Liverpool’s famous Albert Dock, was abandoned in 2008 when developer Windsor collapsed, leaving “a gaping hole in the city’s smile,” according to Danny Hynd of developers Promenade Estates, who bought the site out of administration.
“We’re delighted that we’ve removed a major eyesore in such a prominent location,” said Hynd.
“It’s taken some doing because the site was exposed to the elements.
“There was six feet of water in the basement and buddleia sprouting up from the part-completed core. We’ve got there, and much credit is due to our professional team and to Balfour Beatty.”
The development, providing 324 residential units across three blocks, as well prime ground floor retail outlets fronting the city’s busy Strand, cost £35m to construct, funded from a mix of equity and debt from HSBC.
It will be ready for occupation in March 2017 and boasts the most advanced residents’ facilities in the city, including a gym, concierge, cinema room, wi-fi and 356 underground car parking spaces over two floors.
Extensive investment in public realm is due to be revealed in early March.
Falconer Chester Hall designed the scheme, with WYG acting as employer’s agents. Curtins Consulting were the structural engineers and Balfour Beatty the main contractor.
The Strand development as it looks now is pictured below.
