The regeneration of Liverpool's iconic Littlewoods building is set to elevate the city's already "world class" film industry credentials "to the next level", the project's proponents have said. Liverpool Council's planning committee has given the green light to the ambitious £70m redevelopment project for the landmark white structure on Edge Lane, a decision that could potentially create thousands of new jobs in Liverpool.
In November last year, development firm Capital&Centric submitted their plans to transform the dilapidated historic site into a "Hollywood of the North" TV and film production hub. John Moffat, Capital&Centric's joint managing director, hailed the planning approval as a "huge moment" for both the building and Liverpool.
Liverpool City Council and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority have pledged their support for the revitalisation of the 1930s property, which is estimated to be worth around £70m. An initial £8m for preliminary works was approved in 2022.
The structure is currently split into three parts: the east and west wings, flanking a 1960s addition known as the Hangar.
Plans include repurposing the existing structures to provide office space, hotel rooms for film crews, educational facilities, and a rooftop terrace. Additionally, two new 20,000 sq ft sound stages will be constructed, reports .
A former canteen located within a barrel-vaulted hangar is set to be converted into a versatile screening and event area, complete with five small cinema screens, an outdoor performance venue, and a permanent food hall.
Mr Moffat expressed his enthusiasm, saying: "This is a huge moment for Littlewoods and for the city as we now have the green light to deliver the Hollywood of the North. Liverpool already has a reputation as a world-class filming destination."
He then added, "The Littlewoods Project will take it to the next level, providing much-needed indoor studio space and support facilities. You can't underestimate what this means for local people me among them not only seeing this iconic building brought back to life, but bolstering the city's creative credentials and creating jobs and careers for generations. It's the moment everyone's been waiting for."
Outside of the application, there are additional aspirations to create a public link between the site and Wavertree Park. The developers aim to boost the long-derelict site's eco-friendly reputation with a community-accessible courtyard that reflects the glory of film stars from both yesteryear and today.
CandC took ownership of the site in 2018 and unveiled regeneration plans, with the aspiration to have it operational by 2026. Earlier this year, work commenced on dismantling the famous clock tower situated amidst the two principal structures.
Digital analysis of laser monitoring, which was placed on the tower to track its movement and condition, has confirmed that in its current state, the tower is unsafe and could collapse if left unattended. The plan is to reconstruct the tower at the same location, reusing elements from the original structure that was built in 1938 following the rapid growth of the Littlewoods Pools business.
The building has been derelict for the past three decades. Its design was conceived by Scottish architect Gerald de Courcy Fraser, who also designed the grade II Lewis' Ltd department store in the city centre and the "dramatic" flat iron Premier Building on Church Street, which currently houses Lloyds Bank.
The proposed new sound stages are expected to take approximately a year to construct and become operational.
The timeline for repurposing the existing building is longer due to the complexity involved in dealing with the existing structures.
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