Transformational plans for Liverpool’s Littlewoods Project given green light

Plans by Capital&Centric to transform the iconic former Littlewoods building in Liverpool into a new, world-class film and TV campus have been approved by Liverpool City Council’s Planning Committee.

The plans for the Council-owned site, which include the restoration and repurposing of the 1930s Edge Lane building, were submitted by the social impact developers last year.

The company has just completed the enabling works and securing planning is the next major milestone for the project.

Subject to the next tranche of funding being agreed, the go ahead from the council will kick start the main restoration works, including two new 20,000 sq.ft studios for big budget productions, as well as spaces for offices, workshops, studio support facilities and an education facility.

The site, which holds many memories for locals, will now be opened up and made accessible to surrounding communities. The former canteen which was housed in a barrel-vaulted hangar is to be transformed into a multi-purpose screening and performance zone, which will be for the use of occupiers on site, and then open up to the public out of hours. It’ll feature five small format cinema screens, an outdoor performance space and permanent foodhall.

John Moffat, Joint Managing Director at Capital&Centric, said: “This is a huge moment for Littlewoods and for the city as we now have the green light to deliver the Hollywood of the North. Liverpool already has a reputation as a world-class filming destination.

“The Littlewoods Project will take it to the next level, providing much-needed indoor studio space and support facilities. You can’t underestimate what this means for local people – me among them – not only seeing this iconic building brought back to life, but bolstering the city’s creative credentials and creating jobs and careers for generations. It’s the moment everyone’s been waiting for.”

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “The transformation of the Littlewoods building into a world-class, cross-sector film, TV and creative campus is a game-changer for the Liverpool City Region. It’s a testament to our growing reputation as a centre for creativity and innovation.

“This project not only preserves a cherished part of our heritage but will also drive economic growth, create thousands of jobs, and cement our place on the international stage as a destination for high-end productions.

“It’s fantastic to see our vision for the ‘Hollywood of the North’ take another step towards becoming a reality, and we’re proud to support this iconic development with a £17m investment.”

Councillor Nick Small, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet member for Growth and Economy, said: “It’s fantastic news that the Littlewoods Project has been greenlit by the city’s Planning Committee. It means the stage is set for it to play a lead role in transforming Liverpool’s TV and Film offer.

“There’s still some plot development to take place and we’ll be working closely with Capital & Centric and the Combined Authority to ensure a truly blockbuster scheme is delivered.”

The planned new sound stages will take around a year to be built and become operational. The programme for repurposing the existing building is longer due to the complexity of dealing with the existing structures.

Capital&Centric is working with Liverpool City Council as freeholder of the site and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority as project funders. The Combined Authority, led by Mayor Steve Rotheram, has committed up to £17m to the project.

It is anticipated that the Littlewoods Project will bring around 4,000 full-time equivalent jobs in the region’s creative sector.

Famed for their restoration of historic buildings such as Crusader in Manchester, Weir Mill in Stockport and Eyewitness Works in Sheffield, Capital&Centric recently announced its biggest project to date – delivering 2,000 homes for the UK’s largest new town, Northstowe in Cambridgeshire.

The team behind the Littlewoods Project includes architect shedkm and planners Avison Young.