North Point submits Chinatown plans

Proposals for the mixed-use regeneration of a five-acre site next to Liverpool’s Chinatown have been submitted to the city council for approval.

The planned development is being delivered by developer North Point Global, Blok Architecture and PHD1 Construction.

The project along Great George Street could see the construction of up to 800 apartments, 120,000 sq ft of commercial and retail space, a series of new public squares and a 140-bed hotel.

In 2007, Urban Splash proposed a mixed-use project for the site, known as Tribeca – the triangle below the cathedral – to contain 740 homes, 80,000 sq ft of offices, hotel and two acres of public realm. Plans for the development stalled during the recession.

The planning application is seeking detailed consent for the first phase of development, which will deliver 150 flats and 20,000 sq ft of commercial space, with only outline permission sought for the second and third phases.

Peter McInnes, chair of Chinatown Development Company, the North Point subsidiary established for the scheme, said: “During the bidding process it was clear that the Mayor and city council wanted rapid progress on a key site that has been vacant for too long. It was equally important that we took time to listen and consult with local people and come up with a development that realises the potential of this hugely important site on the edge of Chinatown.”

The development intends to attract new Chinese businesses in to the area through the creation of live-work, retail and commercial spaces. According to North Point, the development’s commercial team has already received interest from Chinese-based businesses looking for a UK outlet.

The consultation and engagement process will continue during the planning phase with opportunities to shape the longer-term vision for the development site and wider Chinatown.

A decision on the planning application is likely to be made before the end of November with work on phase one due to start before the end of this year.

North Point Global is the development arm of PHD1 Construction. North Point is currently on site with the £90m mixed-use Pall Mall scheme near Leeds Street in Liverpool, and commercial space for Baltic Creative in Norfolk Street. PHD1 Construction is building the £77m Angelgate apartment project in Dantzic Street, Manchester for Pindelco, another company associated with Peter McInnes.