Proposals to create a new TV and film campus incorporating Liverpool's former Littlewoods building have been submitted.
Capital&Centric is behind the Littlewoods Project which includes the restoration and repurposing of the 1930s Edge Lane building, with a working clock reinstated on the iconic tower. If approved, the scheme is expected to create 4,000 jobs.
A detailed planning application has been lodged with Liverpool City Council and a final decision is expected to be made in the coming months. Capital&Centric is working with the council as freeholder of the site and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority as funder.
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As well as two new 20,000 sq ft studios for big budget productions on the adjoining land, the plans also feature spaces for offices, workshops, studio support facilities and an education facility. There are also plans to make the building more accessible to surrounding communities.
The former canteen which was housed in a barrel-vaulted hangar is to be transformed into a multi-purpose screening and performance zone, which will be for the use of occupiers on site, and then open up to the public out of hours. It'll feature five small format cinema screens, an outdoor performance space and permanent food hall.
The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has committed up to £17m to develop The Depot - two 22,000 sq ft film and TV studios now open off Liverpool's Edge Lane and managed by Liverpool Film Office - and larger studios in the adjacent Littlewoods building.
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John Moffat, joint managing director of Capital&Centric, said: "From the Batman to Taylor Swift, Liverpool’s stellar reputation as having every ingredient to make shoots a possibility has drawn big stars and production companies here. The Littlewoods Project is all about doubling-down on the city being a compelling home for the sector, providing a missing piece of the jigsaw with more indoor studio space and vital support facilities.
"People have known for some time that the site is down to become a TV and film destination, but it’s a massive step forward to work up the detailed plans and show people what we've got in store for this iconic site. We listened to the feedback from our consultation and have made sure the Littlewoods Project won’t just be buzzing with those working in the creative industries, but will also open up to the community. We've done that with the lush gardens and the screening and performance space, where people will, for the first time in the site’s history, be able to visit and hang out."
Steve Rotheram, mayor of the Liverpool City Region, added: "The Liverpool City Region has a longstanding role as the country’s cultural capital and the development of the Littlewoods building is central to ensuring that we remain there. Establishing ourselves as an international hub for film and TV with world class facilities will be a really important string to our bow.
"We have become a magnet for film and TV productions from around the world in recent years – making us the 海角视频's most filmed location outside of London. But I want to take our region to the next level, to stake our claim as the 'Hollywood of the North'.
"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."