Liverpool signs deal to deliver £70m regeneration of derelict building

There’s progress for a £70m regeneration project in Liverpool, as a new partnership between the city council, combined authority and property developers has been announced.

Regeneration specialists and social impact property developers CAPITAL&CENTRIC have entered the fold, agreeing to deliver the first phase of the project.

Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has also approved £8m for repairs, design and planning for the project, as part of a total of £17m of funding.

There are plans to repurpose the 1938 Littlewoods Building – once home to a betting company and used to build planes during World War II – to create film and television studios.

Cllr Sarah Doyle, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Development and Economy, said: ‘The remediation phase of the Littlewoods Buildings is the first major milestone in transforming this iconic venue into a film centre that Liverpool deserves – and needs.

‘The journey to this point has been longer than anticipated but the history of the building has presented some unique challenges and it’s important we get the approach right. I’m already looking forward to the next stage when the remediation is complete and we can start looking at delivering world class studios and education facilities.’

It’s thought the site could become one of the biggest film and television centres in the UK, with the oldest film studios in the UK, Twickenham Studios, signed on to be the anchor tenant. The studios have worked on films such as Bohemian Rhapsody, Blade Runner and The Italian Job.

Metro Mayor Steve Rotherham said he hoped the regeneration project could cement Liverpool’s role as the ‘Hollywood of the North’.

He said: ‘The £17m we’re investing into both Littlewoods and The Depot will be central in turning that ambition into a reality – helping us to cater for every stage of the production process and creating new jobs and training opportunities for local people. I can’t wait to see work start on the project!’

Photo by Matthew Daniels