Pall Mall planning application coming this month

Kier Property and CTP are aiming to submit an application for the £200m development in Liverpool this month, with two further consultation events planned in the coming weeks.

The project will see a large swathe of the city around Bixteth Gardens and Exchange Station redeveloped to bring forward 400,000 sq ft of offices, a 280-bedroom hotel, leisure and retail space, and a public square.

A planning application is expected by the end of the month, following further public consultation, due to take place in the coming weeks.

The scheme is being backed by Liverpool City Council given the city’s lack of office space within the city centre; the council has identified a “desperate need” for new space and has brought forward a strategic regeneration framework for the city’s commercial business district in an attempt to combat the shortfall.

Pall Mall has, however, proved to be controversial, particularly around the remediation of Bixteth Gardens, which is currently being remediated to help support the scheme. Campaigners unsuccessfully tried to halt the gardens being developed earlier this year.

Bixteth Gardens will be closed for a period of around two-and-a-half years while construction works are ongoing, but the developers said the project would lead to a net gain in green space and public realm once the project is delivered, providing 80,200 sq ft of public space, compared with 60,000 sq ft currently at the site.

This public space will feature a pavilion which could be used as a café or restaurant, while ground floor space in the commercial developments is also earmarked for retail or leisure.

Consultation events ahead of the planning application will be hosted at 5 St Paul’s Square on Tuesday 18 June between 8am and 1pm, and on 19 June between 1pm and 7pm. The professional team on the project includes Allies & Morrison and landscape architect Reform.

Henry Martin, development manager at Kier Property said: “Our vision for Pall Mall Liverpool is to set a benchmark for working environments in Liverpool by creating a distinct city centre destination for workers, residents and visitors to enjoy.

“The plans include extensive public realm, including a central green space the equivalent size of Williamson Square and a significant increase in the number of trees and planted areas.

“We are committed to ongoing consultation with the local community and are looking forward to sharing our final plans with stakeholders and members of the public, before submitting a planning application later this month.”