St Modwen ready for public inquiry

Around 40 objectors out of nearly 200 land holdings remain at Liverpool's Great Homer Street project, also known as Project Jennifer, after six years of preparations by the city council and St Modwen.

Liverpool City Council and St Modwen say they have finished reviewing the objections to the compulsory purchase order served in March to assemble the 45 acre development site.

The development partners will continue to negotiate with land owners and tenants to try and settle acquisitions before the public inquiry, which is expected to take place in summer 2012.

Cllr Malcolm Kennedy, Liverpool City Council's cabinet member for regeneration and transport, said: "We have completed a thorough review into the objections raised to the CPO and believe that a robust case exists for Project Jennifer. We have listened to businesses and we remain committed to ensuring that fair compensation is agreed with all land and business owners, to allow businesses to relocate to suitable alternative premises and to enable this vital scheme to progress."

The £150m project, seen as key to resurrecting North Liverpool, is anchored by a 110,000 sq ft Sainsbury's food store alongside 480 homes, additional retail including a market, community facilities, commercial premises, public transport interchange and leisure uses.

Michelle Taylor, regional director of St Modwen, said: "This is the scheme that the local community wants and it will act as an important catalyst for future regeneration in North Liverpool. For these reasons, Liverpool City Council and St Modwen are confident that the scheme will succeed."

Liverpool City Council appointed St Modwen as its preferred developer in 2005.