Plans to transform Liverpool’s Littlewoods Building into a film studio are set for approval.
- A £70 million redevelopment will be led by Capital&Centric.
- The project includes the construction of two large sound stages and various facilities.
- A cinema and two bars will also be established in the redesigned hangar area.
- Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has pledged £17 million to support the development.
A major redevelopment project aimed at converting Liverpool’s historic Littlewoods Building into a state-of-the-art film studio is moving closer to realisation, as it has been recommended for approval by the Liverpool Council, subject to a section 106 agreement. The ambitious plan, spearheaded by Capital&Centric, seeks to inject new life into the iconic 260,000 square feet structure on Edge Lane, which has remained vacant since 1994.
The proposed £70 million regeneration project includes the construction of two sound stages, each covering approximately 20,400 square feet and standing 17 metres tall. These sound stages will be complemented by a range of ancillary facilities such as office spaces, studios, and workshops, enhancing Liverpool’s reputation as a burgeoning hub for the film and television industry.
The development plan also outlines the introduction of entertainment venues, including a cinema and two bars with al fresco seating, all set within the hangar space that lies between the east and west wings of the building. These features are anticipated to attract both local residents and visitors, contributing to the area’s cultural vibrancy.
Significantly, the project involves the overhaul of the building’s facade, the replacement of windows, and the demolition and subsequent rebuilding of the fire-damaged Littlewoods Clock Tower, restoring its historical silhouette. The north sections of the building’s east and west wings are slated for conversion into commercial office space, offering further economic opportunities.
The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has already committed up to £17 million to facilitate these developments. This financial backing underscores the local government’s support for transforming the Littlewoods site into what some envision as the ‘Hollywood of the North’. The proposal will soon be reviewed by Liverpool’s planning committee to finalise its approval.
The Littlewoods studio development stands as a symbol of cultural and economic revitalisation for Liverpool.
