Revised Bridewell scheme approved
A new scheme to turn Liverpool's former main Bridewell into student accommodation has been approved by planners.
Cells in the 19th century former jail will be converted into bedrooms and shower rooms under the proposals.
The building, which stands on Cheapside, is listed and the plans by Liverpool developer Jamworks will bring life back to the Bridewell which has been unused since 1999.
Architect Falconer Chester Hall designed the conversion. There will be 15 clusters of student accommodation comprising 86 bedrooms in total. These clusters would each be arranged around a shared kitchen/diner.
Adam Hall, managing director of FCH, said: "This building has suffered greatly from being empty for 15 years and these proposals will enable it to have a new lease of life and see significant improvements to its hitherto neglected fabric. The design retains the cellular structure internally and while there will be some demolition externally, this will be of features added in later years including an extension at the ground floor."
A previous planning consent in 2013 had established the principle of using the building for student accommodation. The new application has fewer bedrooms.
Work on the scheme is due to start in February 2014, with completion expected by September 2014.
