‘Hollywood of the North’ passes Liverpool planning audition

Several applications were approved by the Liverpool City Council planning committee on Tuesday, including the redevelopment of the Littlewoods building, the International Slavery Museum, and a Cavern Quarter hotel.

Littlewoods

The scheme has been dubbed the Hollywood of the North. Credit: via Font Comms

• Application reference number 23F/2887

An application to transform the Littlewoods Building off Edge Lane in Liverpool has been approved, subject to the signing of a Section 106 agreement.

Developer Capital&Centric will lead the £70m redevelopment of the 260,000 sq ft Liverpool building into what has been dubbed the ‘Hollywood of the North’, by Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram.

Plans include the construction of two sound stages, each measuring approximately 20,400 sq ft with a height of 17 metres. Additionally, ancillary office, studio, and workshop spaces will be installed.

A cinema, alongside two bars with outdoor seating, will be erected in the hangar area between the east and west wings.

Steve Rotheram, Liverpool Metro Mayor, said: “The transformation of the Littlewoods building into a world-class, cross-sector film, TV and creative campus is a game-changer for the Liverpool City Region.

“It’s a testament to our growing reputation as a centre for creativity and innovation.”

He continued: “This project not only preserves a cherished part of our heritage but will also drive economic growth, create thousands of jobs, and cement our place on the international stage as a destination for high-end productions.”

Façade restoration and window replacements will be carried out, following the demolition of the Littlewoods Clock Tower. A replacement of the fire-damaged clock tower is in the pipeline.

John Moffat, joint managing director at Capital&Centric, said: “This is a huge moment for Littlewoods and for the city as we now have the green light to deliver the Hollywood of the North.

“Liverpool already has a reputation as a world-class filming destination. The Littlewoods Project will take it to the next level, providing much-needed indoor studio space and support facilities.”

The Littlewoods building, a local landmark, was erected in 1938 and has been vacant since 1994.

The north sections of the east and west wings will be developed into commercial office space.

During the committee meeting, councillors were assured of the environmental credentials of the development, with the scheme able to achieve a 30% biodiversity net gain, according to project team.

ShedKM is the architect behind the scheme, Planit is advising on landscape, and Avison Young is the planning consultant.

Cllr Norris, deputy chair of Liverpool City Council’s planning committee, said: “I think this is a wonderful application, they call it the Hollywood of the North, and I’m just wondering where the sign is going to go!”

Martin Luther King Building and Maritime Museum

The project sensitively responds to the existing Grade I-listed buildings; the Hartley Pavilion and the Dr Martin Luther King Jr Building, previously the Dock Traffic Office, understanding their civic value and cherished nature, to reimagine and revitalise them. Credit: FCBS

• Application reference numbers 24F/1620 & 24L/1621

National Museums Liverpool’s plans for a £58m revamp of the Martin Luther King building, which houses the International Slavery Museum, and the adjacent Maritime Museum, have been approved.

The decision was passed with six votes in favour, two abstentions, and one vote against the recommendation to approve.

Both venues will close in early 2025 to allow works to commence, reopening to the public in 2028.

Michelle Charters, head of the International Slavery Museum stated to the committee: “The decision today will further strengthen the importance of the only museum of its kind in the world.”

The Maritime Museum is housed in the Hartley Pavilion, also on Albert Dock, and will see a roof light installed to increase natural light within its lecture theatre.

The plans include the installation of a 960 sq ft entrance hall for the Martin Luther King building and a 320 sq ft link bridge between the two adjacent buildings.

A key part of these plans to replace the Martin Luther King Building’s portico to improve accessibility for visitors.

Kossy Nnachetta, partner and architect at Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, said: “This project – like both museums within it – embodies a determination that our collective and shared history is expressed.

“It boldly addresses themes of restorative justice through space – the UK and the world is ready for this.”

Funds for the scheme will come from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

In January 2024, National Museums Liverpool announced the appointment of FCBStudios as the new team leading the architectural design – the practice has been working with the University of Liverpool School of Architecture in facilitating community conversations.

The project team also includes The Planning Lab, Buro Happold, The Environment Partnership, AKTII, Atelier Ten, Donald Insall Associates, Sandy Brown, Windtech Consultants, and Ridge.

Cavern Walks hotel

Greenwood Developments and JSM, together bought the Cavern Walks shopping centre for £7m in 2022. Credit: via MHP Group

• Application reference number 24F/0265

Greenwood Developments, sister company La Salle Construction, and JSM’s application to develop 283 hotel suites in the city’s Cavern Quarter has been approved.

The currently vacant hotel will be run by Motto by Hilton once completed.

Cavern Walks, off Harrington Street and Mathew Street in central Liverpool, will see its upper floors converted into hotel suites, including connecting rooms, and flexible layout options.

The original application submitted in October 2022 proposed 149 suites and was approved, however, an updated brief requested permission to raise the number of suites to 283.

The amendments concern the first through seventh floors only.

Work will also be done to create a reception area, food and beverage area, as well as an entertainment and function room space on the upper ground floor.

The hotel’s guests will use smart technology such as digital check-in and mobile room keys.

Architect Falconer Chester Hall designed the plans for the hotel.

Martin Haymes, associate director at Falconer Chester Hall and lead architect for the project, said: “This scheme is an exciting opportunity to bring a new, dynamic hotel concept to Liverpool.

“The Motto brand’s innovative design ethos aligns perfectly with the city’s forward-thinking spirit, and we are thrilled to play a part in delivering this important project.”

Greenwood Developments and JSM together bought the Cavern Walks shopping centre for £7m in 2022.

Greenwood Developments and JSM, together bought the Cavern Walks shopping centre for £7m in 2022. Credit: via MHP Group

Stonedale Crescent

• Application reference number 23F/3271

An application submitted by MCAU on behalf of Cobalt Housing to build 45 homes on nearly two acres of land has also been approved.

The site will be redeveloped – both a four and three-storey block will be erected comprising 27 one- and two-bedroom apartments.

It sits off the corner of Stonedale Crescent and Stonebridge Lane.

Additionally, there will be three two-bedroom bungalows, 12 two-bedroom ‘cottage flats’, two five-bed homes, and one three-bedroom house.

The decision passed unanimously.

The housing association is working with Place Capital Group on the regeneration of the Stonedale Estate. Credit: Google Earth