Lime Street to close as Neptune begins £39m development
The road will be closed for three weeks starting after the bank holiday for work to begin properly on Neptune Developments’ £39m scheme in Liverpool city centre, which was held up by heritage objections to the demolition of the Futurist Cinema.
The scheme, devised by Liverpool City Council in partnership with Neptune Developments, includes a hotel, shops, restaurants and student accommodation between the Crown and Vine pubs.
The work next week will involve the remaining frontages on Lime Street being taken down as part of the clearance of the site. Bolton Street will also be closed. Two years of construction will then begin.
Cllr Ann O’Byrne, deputy mayor of Liverpool, said: “Lime Street has been neglected for far too long and this scheme will see it brought back to life, creating much needed new jobs and a fitting gateway on one of the main routes into the city.
“We know that the road closure will cause disruption for motorists and commuters but it is absolutely vital to the project. Once this work is complete and the site is cleared, we will be able to get on with the construction side of the development and we are confident there will be no need for further full closures.
“This is an exciting time for the area as we crack on with a scheme which will help transform the fortunes of Lime Street and make it part of the city that we can all be proud of.”
Developers are working with the city council to reflect the former Futurist cinema – which could not be saved because of its poor structural condition – in the development.
A planning application is also expected to be submitted shortly to restore the ABC Cinema and transform the listed Art Deco building into a major live music venue and TV studio.
