Former Merseyside Police HQ primed for sale
Located next door to Liverpool ONE and billed as one of the best regeneration opportunities in the city, Canning Place is likely to be of interest to developers of all stripes.
Merseyside Police started vacating Canning Place in 2021 when the force’s £48m Rose Hill headquarters completed.
Now, Merseyside’s police and crime commissioner Emily Spurrell has kicked off the disposal process by launching a consultation that aims to find out how the public wants to see the site redeveloped.
“The sale of Merseyside Police’s historic former headquarters is a unique opportunity to create something special on Liverpool’s iconic waterfront,” Spurrell said.
“People from all over the region, the country, and indeed the world, know and love our skyline along the Mersey, boasting the Three Graces and the Royal Albert Dock and Kings Dock. I am committed to ensuring this pivotal plot of land is used for a high-quality development which will enhance the city and have a long-lasting economic, social, and environmental value for local people.”
Members of the public are invited to share their views on what the site should be used for by taking part in an online survey at – www.placed-engagement.org.uk/canningplace
Two consultation events will also be held to give members of the public the opportunity to share their views on the future of the site in person.
These will be held in a pop-up shop on the upper level of South John Street, next to Oliver Bonas, in Liverpool ONE:
- 10.30am – 6pm on Monday 5th February
- 11am – 6pm on Thursday 15th February
A consultant team comprising Colliers, Mace, and PLACED has been appointed to market and dispose of the 2.65-acre site.
Mike Brassington, director at Colliers, said: “This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future development of Canning Place and provide positive feedback that will best inform the eventual site disposal.
“Situated in a prime location within Liverpool city centre, Canning Place fronts The Strand, Liverpool’s world-renowned waterfront, and is adjacent to Liverpool ONE. As such, the opportunity will appeal to a range of regional, national, and international developers seeking to invest in Liverpool.”
I would like them to sell it for as much money as possible and use the money to pay for policing. Beyond that, it’s for the City Council to form a view.
Surprised the Police and Crime Commisioner has the time to stray into regeneration projects.
Is she hoping for for a chance to run for Steve Rotheram’s job?
By Mr Z Carr
A new tram terminal would be great (or light rail) which would be the catalyst for the light rail to travel along the water front towards the Everton stadium, up towards Paddington village, around to lime street. Liverpool needs this for better access and transport to areas the buses cannot get to. They would also be more reliable.
By Anonymous
Needs an Empire State Building there
By Billy
Another long consultation that will drag on for years and eventually result in something underwhelming like Usual.
By Tom
Why are we having a public consultation here as this surely is not going to be sold to the public sector. If purchased by the private sector they are not going to ask the public “what would you like us to do”
It has been known for years that Merseyside Police would move so why is a buyer or plan not in place. I am sure when the Met Police moved out of their Scotland Yard HQ on Victoria St they didn’t ask the public what they wanted to happen with the land. This is a prime location and in an ideal world Grosvenor would buy the site and extend Liverpool One with more shopping, hotels, and some residential.
By Anonymous
Asking the public is like that episode of the Simpsons where they ask Homer to design a car. Aren’t people paid handsomely for this type of thing?
By Anonymous
Need something that makes you go WOW it’s in a fantastic location. Hopefully the village council don’t block something that is big and ambitious like they usually do.
By Simon Clark
The consultation is a pointless exercise, it will in the end be sold to the highest bidder who will apply to build what will maximise their return. The Council will demand a reduced height and after value engineering something bland and uninspiring will be built on this landmark site.
By Dom
Why is then PCC doing this “consultation” surely it’s her job to sell the site to the highest bidder and let the planning department choose what is acceptable
By Stuart wood
Why are they asking for public opinion on sale which will inevitably go to a private developer who will do what they want with the site? Makes absolutely no sense and seems like a complete waste of time and Merseyside Police resources. Nobody is going to spend £8m+ on a site and listen to what the public want.
By Confused
Please can someone explain why a crime commissioner is involved and behind a consultation with the public about what to do with the site ? She should focus on police issues and let other professionals and serious developers develop a plan . Its clear and obvious this is a prime location requiring a special if possible world class building to add further quality to our waterfront . We don’t need to ask the public , with respect what do we know ! this is a massive opportunity lets not waste it.
By Paul M - Woolton
Why can’t they build a place for the homeless to go and sleep in this 21st century we have people sleeping rough
By Anonymous
@Anon 10.40am , nothing wrong in providing shelter for genuinely homeless people but do you really think this important site is the place to do it?
We have enough people in town begging or in tents even though the council has an assessment unit for them in Greenland St. I was at Goodison last Saturday and have never seen so many people on the pavements there begging.
By Anonymous
Well done to Emily Spurrell for consulting on the future use of this site. It’s important that any future use benefits the public as much as possible and does not simply become a developer driven profit opportunity on a prime site. We need more of this!
By RMB
Let LCC do what it does best. Knock it down and leave the land vacant for the next 30 years.
By Stephen Hart
Think the police commissioner is just posturing. Probably trying to justify an unnecessary role . We need a landmark building on that site the police have the right to accept a slightly lower offer to ensure a higher quality building. Extending Liverpool 1 would be good ( if retail can support expansion?) suspect a residential block will happen.although I would like a government department based there no chance I suspect
By George
More green space with something iconic and genuinely sustainable that will add to the city centers already impressive offer for residents and visitors.
By Anonymous
The police commissioner is absolutely right to consult on the future of this, probably the most auspicious site in the city. The right development here could influence the growth of the city centre in many ways – on the one hand it is opposite the Waterfront / Albert Dock, where it could make a huge contribution to the cultural offer in city centre Liverpool. On the other hand it is a linking site between LOne, the waterfront, the ropewalks and the Baltic so extending the retail / creative space offer might be better; and given the lack of Grade A office space in Liverpool, it could be a prime office location. It would be a wasted opportunity if it was simply sold to the highest bidder, where it would inevitably become yet more apartments. Sites like these need to give something back to the city. After all, this is tax payers property here, and we all know best value isnt always the most highest price…
By Larch
End up like the ABC cinema
By Anonymous
A Tram Terminus on this site would be a great addition to the city.
By Anonymous
Retail and leisure. Not apartments
By Lee Gerrard
As this is a public owned property it is right that the PCC should consult the public to demonstrate best value and social benefit to the Merseyside community this site is in a very important location and full consideration should be carried out.
By Paul
Why does everything in this city need to involve a public consultation? Just get it sold to the highest bidder and reinvest the proceeds in the new estate?
By CMW
Public consultations are generally pointless and a complete waste of time. You will just get ludicrous, unrealistic ideas put forward,
By Anonymous
The ordinary man has more common sense making decisions than all the property industry put together.It was the property industry not the common man who thought high rise housing in 1960s was good idea.The smug contempt the property industry has for ordinary people is very telling about what type of people they are.
By Tracey Smith
@Tracey Smith. Already seen a comment saying somewhere for the homeless. This being on one of the most high profile plots available and right on Liverpools money maker waterfront.
By Anonymous