UPDATE: Liverpool’s iconic Littlewoods Building development is set to move forward as Liverpool Council prepares to present urgent plans to government ministers in February 2024. This significant project aims to transform the long-abandoned site into a state-of-the-art TV and film studio complex, with an estimated budget of £70 million.
The Littlewoods site, a historical landmark since its construction in 1938, has been a point of contention for decades. Once bustling with activity as the headquarters for the Littlewoods football pools, the building fell silent after its closure in November 1994. Now, the council is determined to revitalize this key location, which casts a long shadow over Edge Lane towards the city center.
Cllr Liam Robinson, leader of Liverpool Council, confirmed that discussions with government officials are underway, emphasizing the national interest in the project. “We’re finalizing all the arrangements for our presentation at Downing Street,” Robinson stated. “There’s a lot of enthusiasm from stakeholders who want to ensure its success.”
Plans include the construction of two new 20,000 square foot studio stages, with the existing building being integrated into the new development alongside facilities from The Depot, which opened in 2021. The timeline is optimistic, with new wings of the building set for completion by 2026 and the full project targeted for completion in 2027.
The urgency of this project is underscored by its potential impact on the Liverpool region and beyond. Robinson highlighted the project’s significance, stating, “This location on the main road from the M62 presents a transformational opportunity with a huge impact for the entire North of England.”
Developer Capital&Centric is actively engaged in discussions with the government to secure the necessary funding, acknowledging that the current costs exceed the completed development’s value. Co-founder Tim Heatley remarked that ongoing negotiations focus on exploring potential options for gap funding, vital for moving forward.
In August 2023, the future of the scheme was briefly uncertain when Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) announced it would not be an anchor tenant. However, confidence remains high among local leaders, including Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram, who believes funding solutions will emerge to support this key initiative.
The project aligns with Rotheram’s vision of transforming Liverpool into the ‘Hollywood of the North’, supported by a funding package from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority since July 2020.
As Liverpool Council prepares to present these plans to government officials, the community is rallying behind the revitalization of the Littlewoods Building. This development not only signifies a new chapter for a historic site but also promises to create jobs and stimulate the local economy.
Stay tuned for more updates as this pivotal project unfolds in the coming weeks. The future of the Littlewoods Building is not just a story of architectural revival; it’s a testament to the resilience and ambition of Liverpool.
