MIPIM 2015: First phases of Liverpool Waters revealed

A 150-bed hotel, 40-storey residential tower and 100,000 sq ft of offices will form the first phases of the long-awaited Liverpool Waters, says Peel director Lindsey Ashworth.

Speaking on the Liverpool stand, Ashworth outlined details of the latest advanced negotiations for the start of the 60-hectare waterfront development.

Firstly, a detailed planning application has been submitted for an eight-storey 100,000 sq ft office building at Princes Dock next to the multi-storey car park.

This is the first detailed application since Liverpool Waters received outline consent in November 2013. The building, named William Jessop House after the 18th century civil engineer, will have floor plates of around 10,000 sq ft.

Secondly, Peel confirmed that it had now agreed a deal with developer Moda Living for a residential tower of over 325 apartments. Originally announced in December 2014, this tower will sit adjacent to William Jessop House at Princes Dock and reach 126 metres with its 40 storeys.

Moda Living expects to submit a planning application for this tower to Liverpool City Council in the autumn. If planning consent is granted, building work could begin on site next year with completion in 2017.

Finally, it was confirmed that terms had been provisionally agreed on three of the other 88 waterfront plots. Two would be combined for a 150-bed hotel and 40 apartments managed by the hotel. The third site is proposed to be developed for circa 100-apartments. Both development sites would command spectacular views of the River Mersey and key elements of the city's maritime heritage.

Ashworth said: "These announcements mark a major milestone for Liverpool Waters confirming what we hear time and again that the city's waterfront is a key attraction for investment. It also shows that Liverpool Waters is moving forward with a balanced mixture of uses befitting a modern dynamic city.

"We are proud to be putting an office building of the quality of William Jessop House to the City planners. It will be a transformational development which will attract businesses from within and from outside the city region. Princes Dock is currently enjoying a good occupancy rate of 97% across its three waterfront office buildings.

"We may develop it ourselves, sell the land on to others to develop or form a joint venture partnership. At this stage we rule nothing in and nothing out regarding the future development of this site in order to retain the flexibility to respond to the market."

Peel also proposes to identify four additional plots of land to be offered to the market in the near future in order to keep this positive momentum of activity and progress moving forward.

"We have enquiries and interest along the length of Liverpool Waters from Princes Dock to Bramley Moore Dock and we will continue working hard to secure the very best and most sustainable projects on behalf of the city," said Ashworth.

The project team for William Jessop House includes planning consultant Arup, KKA Architecture, structural engineer Curtins, mechanical and electrical engineer Zerum.

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