New lease of life for dilapidated Liverpool building

Liverpool Hope University has acquired the grade two-listed 2 Islington Square on the edge of its creative campus in Everton and is now plotting its conversion from a furniture shop into a workspace for film and media students. 

Audere BW Architects has drawn up plans for the Motion Picture Factory that will see part of the listed building demolished. 

Constructed in the 1830s as Wrenshall & Sons Musical Academy, the building is generally in poor condition due to “years of neglect, poor management, and staggering water ingress”, according to the architect. 

“Following the receipt of structural reports and budget estimates, the full retainment of the building is no longer feasible…the demolished area will be replaced with a modern rear and side extension of high architectural quality,” the architect’s design and access statement said. 

For the last 50 years, the building has been occupied by W Kelly & Sons, which built cabinets and other furniture. 

The redevelopment of 2 Islington Square will provide additional space to Liverpool Hope University’s creative campus at a time of increased student numbers. 

Other facilities at the campus include Cornerstone Building, Capstone Theatre, home to the music department, and The Arts Centre. 

The university is also advancing plans for the InQuiry Building. The project will see the university overhaul the lecture theatre complex at its Hope Park campus in Childwall, part-demolishing the building and expanding the overall footprint.