EP submits revised Lime Street Gateway plans

English Partnerships has submitted revised plans for the Lime Street Gateway project in Liverpool following the decision to scrap plans for a residential tower.

The scaled down proposals includes the demolition of Concourse House and the row of shops that currently mask the main entrance to the station. The arched gable end of the listed Victorian station building will be revealed, creating an enlarged pedestrian area outside the station.

A joint venture residential tower on the site of Consourse House, agreed between EP and Liverpool-based developer Iliad Group, was aborted in September. The controversial decision came after delays caused by the prolonged – yet ultimately successful – Compulsory Purchase Order and Public Inquiry led to prohibitive building cost inflation.

Subject to planning approval of the revised application, work clearing the interiors of the buildings is due to start in spring 2008, to be followed by demolition in July. Construction of the new public realm is due to start in January 2009, once Liverpool's Capital of Culture year has ended.