£35M redevelopment of Lime Street to get go-ahead

The £35M redevelopment of Liverpool’s Lime Street looks set to be given the go ahead by Liverpool City Council.

Liverpool City Council is expected to sign off on the redevelopment when their planning committee meets next week to discuss the revised proposal put forward by Regeneration Liverpool and Neptune.

The original plans for the redevelopment were revised following criticisms of the designs, with over 60 letters of objection and Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson also urging a review before approval could be given.

The scheme will see the development of a mixed-use area made up of commercial, retail and leisure uses that include the creation of an eleven-storey 412-bedroom student accommodation block, a 101-bedroom hotel and commercial space spanning more than 30,000 sq ft.

The plans also include the demolition of a number of properties on Lime Street and Bolton Street, including building of the former Futurist Cinema. However, The grade two-listed ABC Cinema on Lime Street would be retained.

A report on the revised proposals said:”The head of planning is satisfied that full consideration has been given to the retention of the façade of the Futurist and accepts that the extent of deterioration renders it extremely difficult to retain.

“He further considers that the other properties to be demolished have insufficient intrinsic historic or architectural interest that would require their retention and is satisfied that the loss of the buildings will have no adverse impact on the setting of designated assets, including listed buildings, adjoining conservation areas or the World Heritage Site.

Planning officers have recommended that the development be approved ahead of the council’s planning committee meeting on 11 August.

The report said: “In design terms, the head of planning considers that with the revision secured, the scheme would be an appropriate form of development within the area. The height, scale and design of the building will relate well to the surrounding historic environment and will be of sufficiently high quality to ensure it contributes positively to the area without any undue impact on existing heritage assets.

“The scheme will contribute towards a sustainable mix of uses in an accessible location, benefiting the local economy and providing enhanced employment prospects.”

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