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PRIVACY
Economic Development

Home Bargains founder's plan for 88 flats in Liverpool backed by councillors

The scheme, which is supported by the city's richest ever man, will see a Grade II listed complex transformed into 88 apartments in the city centre

Davos Property Developments' plans for Duke Street(Image: Davos Property Developments)

A significant new Liverpool city centre development, featuring almost 90 apartments and financed by the area's wealthiest man, has been green-lit. Davos Property Developments secured approval from Liverpool Council to transform four, three-story, Grade II-listed Georgian townhouses on Duke Street into 88 modern residences.

The property venture, a subsidiary of household brand Home Bargains' parent company TJ Morris, intends to rejuvenate these early merchant abodes built circa 1780, agent Jack Farrell told a planning committee session. He highlighted the project's aim to "return them to their former splendour" from their current boarded-up state.

Mr Farrell addressed the property's prolonged vacancy and its dilapidated state due to past fire damage, which rendered the buildings unsafe and inaccessible. The redevelopment is poised to include the partial demolition, refurbishment, and modification of these landmark buildings.

The proposals have been put forward by Dave Little of Davos Property Developments, acting on behalf of TJ Morris. The company's wealthy owner, Tom Morris – dubbed the richest Liverpudlian to have ever lived – serves as a director of Davos alongside Mr Little, who also holds the position of group property director at TJ Morris, reports .

Described by Mr Farrell as a "flagship" development for the city, the project is set to include 37 one-bed, 46 two-bed and five three-bed apartments. Additionally, it aims to create a substantial commercial space offering a flexible setting within a 350 square metre unit sited on the ground floor at the junction of Duke Street and Kent Street.

While the identity of the retail unit operator remains unconfirmed, according to Mr Farrell, the debate over the project has elicited varied opinions. Cllr William Shortall said: "It's a difficult choice between having something that's a grade II listed building kept in a manner some people would like it to be, and progress."

Emphasising the need for redevelopment, he added, "I do feel that it needs to be done, we can't have a rotting building, it needs some functionality."

Despite some support, the plans face criticism, with Historic Buildings and Places slamming it as a 'highly damaging proposal to the architectural and historic significance of these heritage assets.