A formal planning application has been submitted for the multi-million pound transformation of Liverpool’s iconic Littlewoods building.
New images have been released to coincide with a major step forward for the project that has been hit with a number of obstacles over the years. After being backed with an initial £8m last year to begin redevelopment, the 1930s location has moved closer to being reimagined as a TV and film campus.
Two 20,000 sq ft studios would be installed, subject to Liverpool Council approval, alongside officers, workshops and refurbishment of the historic tower to include a working clock.
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The building is divided into three sections including the east and west wings, separated by a 1960s addition, the Hangar. Developer Capital&Centric has submitted plans for studio support and education facilities on site next to the main studio space.
A roof garden would also be put in place. A former canteen previously housed in a barrel-vaulted hangar would be transformed into a multi-purpose screening and performance zone, featuring five small format cinema screens, an outdoor performance space and permanent foodhall.
A public link between the site and Wavertree Park is also planned outside of the application. Developers want to enhance the long-derelict site’s green credentials with a courtyard available to the community, with landscaping that will pay homage to screen stars past and present.
It is hoped the Littlewoods development would create around 4,000 full-time equivalent jobs in the region’s creative sector.
John Moffat, joint managing director of Capital&Centric, said: “From the Batman to Taylor Swift, Liverpool’s stellar reputation as having every ingredient to make shoots a possibility has drawn big stars and production companies here. The Littlewoods Project is all about doubling-down on the city being a compelling home for the sector, providing a missing piece of the jigsaw with more indoor studio space and vital support facilities.
“People have known for some time that the site is down to become a TV and film destination, but it’s a massive step forward to work up the detailed plans and show people what we’ve got in store for this iconic site. We listened to the feedback from our consultation and have made sure the Littlewoods Project won’t just be buzzing with those working in the creative industries, but will also open up to the community.
“We’ve done that with the lush gardens and the screening and performance space, where people will, for the first time in the site’s history, be able to visit and hang out.”
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, added: “The Liverpool City Region has a longstanding role as the country’s cultural capital and the development of the Littlewoods building is central to ensuring that we remain there. Establishing ourselves as an international hub for film and TV with world class facilities will be a really important string to our bow.”
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