Two substantial tower blocks are set to rise on the site of one of Liverpool's most distinctive buildings following approval for more than 430 new city centre flats. The proposals, submitted by national rental developers Packaged Living, were presented to members of Liverpool Council's planning committee on Tuesday.
The developers sought consent to demolish a striking building at 122 Old Hall Street in the city's commercial quarter and replace it with hundreds of residential units. The structure, previously a data centre constructed for the operation of the Moores family's Littlewoods empire, has been empty for a decade.
Packaged Living's scheme, which has now received planning committee approval, will see the building demolished and substituted with two towers of 25 and 19 storeys respectively, containing a total of 434 new one, two and three-bedroom apartments for the rental market.
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Upon completion, the landmark development - to be called Old Hall Place - will feature a rooftop terrace offering vistas across the city and the River Mersey, alongside public realm around the structures - including dedicated cycling and pedestrian routes encircling the scheme.
The developer has also committed to delivering "extensive residential amenities" including lounges, co-working facilities, a gym and entertainment areas. Packaged Living has stated that the buildings have been designed with "sustainability at the forefront", incorporating all-electric heating with air source heat pumps, heat recovery systems and a focus on car-free modes of transport to promote a healthy active lifestyle, reports .
At the committee meeting at Liverpool Town Hall, architect Adam Hall spoke about the plans, stating that the development would serve as a "gateway to the city centre, providing high quality, purpose-built homes for mobile professionals, families and residents of all ages."
He added that the new structures would "link development between the city centre and the new Hill Dickinson Stadium as well as wider regeneration to the north of the city."
The meeting was informed that the project's construction and development would create over 200 jobs.
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However, some concerns were raised by councillors on the committee, including a lack of affordable housing, minimal parking spaces associated with the scheme, and the fact that not many of the flats would be suitable for families amidst the city's housing crisis.
Despite these concerns, the committee largely supported the plans. Cllr Mary Rasmussen expressed her approval, saying: "I absolutely love the design, it looks brilliant and gives a great view over the fourth grace - the new stadium."
Cllr Billy Lake commented: "I think it looks like a good, well designed development overall", while Cllr Joe Hanson stated: "The design looks good and the views of the Mersey will make this an attractive place to live - I support this application."
Following the planning committee's approval of the scheme, Edwina Coward, development manager for Packaged Living, said: "We're naturally very pleased with the outcome of today's planning hearing and our thanks go to the committee for its backing.
"We're excited to be bringing forward a landmark development at this prominent gateway site and we're so pleased to be able to provide more homes and public realm for this great city.
"An extensive public consultation unlocked the wisdom of the Liverpool public and we were delighted at the quality of people's ideas and observations about how we could improve the scheme and connectivity towards the new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium and everything in between. The outcome is very much a shared vision."
Demolition of the derelict computer centre is expected to commence in early 2026, with construction projected to start in early 2027. The main contractor for the scheme will be announced in due course.