Deal to resurrect Liverpool’s stalled Metalworks

The 319-home development on Leeds Street, which has been planned for more than two years, could get under way in the autumn following a deal with a Birmingham-based investor and developer.

The scheme first secured planning permission in February 2017 and was brought forward by the Pumpfields Regeneration Company, the development arm of the now-defunct Blok Architecture, which was liquidated around 18 months ago.

Since then, protracted legal negotiations over land acquisition and the site’s Section 106 agreement have stalled the scheme, but a deal to bring the proposals back to life has now come forward.

This is from a joint venture between Acentus Real Estate, which has worked on the marketing of the scheme since its inception, and Birmingham-based developers Justin and Christian Hipkiss. The deal is in the final stages of the legal process and if agreed, could allow work to begin on the site, which the joint venture said would likely get under way in September.

Ahead of main works starting, demolition, site clearance, and ground works are due to begin this month.

Acentus is headed up by director Simon Clarke, while the Hipkiss brothers have experience in property, with Justin Hipkiss currently operating two franchises of lettings agency Belvoir. Christian Hipkiss is chief executive of Respect Bereavements, a company which acquires and develops land for cemeteries across the UK.

While the development company for Metalworks will still be Pumpfields Regeneration Company, directors Craig Blackwell and former Blok director Antonio Garcia will no longer be involved.

Metalworks will be marketed to investors with apartments starting from £108,360.

Simon Clarke of Acentus Group said: “With Liverpool City Council renewing its focus on the regeneration of the Pumpfields area, now is the ideal time to breathe new life into The Metalworks. Construction is due to begin in September and, having been involved in this project since its inception, we are delighted that the time has come to turn the vision for this impressive development into a reality.”