Video: Central Village

Developer Merepark has released a video animation for its £200m Central Village scheme in Liverpool city centre, which has been created by Knutsford-based Diffuse 3D.

Merepark said the four minute fly-through video previews how Central Village will become an integral part of the city, including improvements at Central Station, the first 'inside-look' at the refurbished Lewis's building, new public spaces including a public plaza which will lead onto a six screen 3D and digital Odeon cinema.

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The six-acre scheme is aiming to transform the area behind Liverpool Central Station, Renshaw Street and Bold Street and will include a complete refurbishment of the Grade II-listed Lewis's building and the adjacent Watson building, as well as extensive works to Liverpool Central Station.

Robert Ross, Merepark's chairman, said: "Central Village is Liverpool's largest regeneration scheme and the next key employment site for the city. We're creating 1,000 construction jobs and a further 2,000 permanent positions, a very substantial boost to the local jobs market. From waiters, chefs and hospitality managers to retail staff and office workers, Central Village will create a whole host of opportunities working for some of the UK's best leisure brands."

Work is already underway on the scheme and Ross added that it is expected to contribute £100m to Liverpool's economy when it is completed in 2013.

The 25,000 sq ft Odeon cinema will be located in the lower floors of one of the residential buildings in a new public square between Liverpool Central station and the Lewis's building.

In addition to Odeon, the scheme has already attracted pre-lets from Accor, Q-Park, Network Rail and Millennium and Copthorne. Merepark said negotiations with a series of other profile tenants are ongoing but didn't disclose any names.

Savills is advising Merepark at Central Village.