Liverpool's Littlewoods Studios project takes a step forward
The £70million development project in Liverpool to turn the iconic Littlewoods building into a major film and TV studio has taken a step closer as a deal has been signed for the work to begin.
The developers behind the project, Capital&Centric, have entered into a partnership with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Liverpool City Council to deliver the first phase of the scheme.
This follows the news that the Combined Authority has approved £8m of funding for remediation, design and planning for the project as part of a total funding package of £17m.
The Art Deco building, in the city’s Edge Lane, has been derelict for years. The planned conversion will consolidate Liverpool’s already film-friendly profile, with Twickenham Studios already signed up as the anchor tenant for the facility.
Capital&Centric’s John Moffat said: “This is a huge moment for the Littlewoods Project and the Liverpool city region. Regeneration at this scale is always going to be complex, but the legal agreements are now in place so we can start delivering this transformational project.
"It has the potential to provide Liverpool’s young people with the opportunity to be part of the UK’s booming film and TV industry, generating millions of pounds for the local economy and creating thousands of jobs for generations to come.”
“The new team at the Council are really transforming things and working together with them and the Combined Authority we’re going to be able to help kick-start delivering something pretty special.”
Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor Liverpool City Region, said: “Our area has become a magnet for film and TV productions from around the world in recent years – making us the UK’s most filmed location outside of London. But I want to take our region to the next level, to stake our claim as the ‘Hollywood of the North’.
“The £17m we’re investing into both Littlewoods and The Depot will be central in turning that ambition into a reality – helping us to cater for every stage of the production process and creating new jobs and training opportunities for local people. I can’t wait to see work start on the project!”
The signing of the deal enables a contractor to be appointed with remediation of the site expected to complete by the end of 2023.
It is anticipated that Littlewoods Studios will support up to 3,650 jobs and result in an annual boost of £199m (GVA) to the local economy.
Images via Liverpool Express, the news site run by Liverpool Council.
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