An ambitious £70m redevelopment project is set to transform the iconic 1930s Littlewoods Pools building in Liverpool into a major film and TV hub.
- The development is led by Manchester-based Capital&Centric, aiming to establish Liverpool as the ‘Hollywood of the North’.
- The project will include the construction of new facilities such as a 1,900 square metre studio, cinema screens, and a food hall.
- The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has committed substantial funding to support this significant cultural investment.
- Despite initial setbacks, the redevelopment is expected to create numerous jobs and enhance Liverpool’s cultural landscape.
The £70m development in Liverpool is designed to turn the historic Littlewoods Pools building into a prominent hub for the film and TV industry. Led by Capital&Centric, a developer renowned for its social impact focus, the project aims to complete the transformation by adding a 1,900 square metre studio, a screening and performance space, five cinema screens, and a food hall to the site.
Capital&Centric envisions Liverpool becoming the ‘Hollywood of the North’ through this project. This ambition is supported by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, which has pledged up to £17m to aid in bringing the development to fruition. The combined resources aim to revitalise the site’s iconic clock tower while adapting existing structures for offices, workshops, and studio support facilities.
Originally, the developer sought to appoint a contractor in early 2023, with the goal of completing the sound stages within a year. However, complexities inherent in repurposing the existing structures have resulted in delays. These structures will serve various functions, including office space and workshops, crucial for the operational support of the studios.
Capital&Centric’s development director, Martin Crews, encourages interested contractors to reach out, highlighting the project’s scale and significance. According to John Moffat, joint managing director, extensive efforts in preparing the site have already been undertaken, ensuring the readiness for main redevelopment activities.
This venture joins a wave of substantial film complex developments across the UK, such as a £450m project in Sunderland and a £25m studio refurbishment in West London. These initiatives signify a burgeoning commitment to expanding the UK’s film production infrastructure, enhancing its creative capacity.
The Liverpool film hub project represents a critical step in bolstering the UK’s cultural and economic presence in the global film industry.
