Revitalising an Icon: Transforming Liverpool’s Littlewoods Building for the Future

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Liverpool
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Littlewoods Building Transformation: A Milestone for Liverpool

Liverpool is set to experience a significant milestone with the exciting Littlewoods building transformation project. This transformation, hailed as a “huge moment” for the city, will elevate Liverpool’s already renowned reputation as a top filming destination in the UK. According to those spearheading the project, the refurbishment will take the city’s film and TV production capabilities “to the next level.” Liverpool Council’s planning committee has formally approved the £70 million redevelopment. This ambitious venture promises substantial economic benefits, including thousands of new jobs.

A New Era for Liverpool’s Film Industry

The Littlewoods building, a landmark structure located off Edge Lane, has long been a part of Liverpool’s architectural landscape. However, in recent years, it had fallen into disrepair, leaving it a shadow of its former self. The recent planning approval for its refurbishment marks a turning point in the building’s history. Developers Capital&Centric are eager to transform the site into the “Hollywood of the North.”

Capital&Centric, the developers behind the project, had lodged their plans for the site’s overhaul as far back as November last year. John Moffat, the joint managing director of the development firm, has described the approval of the plans as a pivotal moment for both the building and Liverpool as a whole. The city, already a key filming location for productions across the globe, stands to enhance its credentials through this transformative project.

Historical Significance of the Littlewoods Building

The Littlewoods building, constructed in the 1930s, served as the headquarters for the Littlewoods Pools business. This company played a central role in Liverpool’s economic history. Designed by Scottish architect Gerald de Courcy Fraser, the building’s design is a striking example of modernist architecture from the period. Despite its dilapidated state, the building remains a prominent part of the city’s architectural heritage.

However, the last 30 years have not been kind to the Littlewoods building. It has stood vacant and deteriorating, its once grand facades slowly succumbing to time. The redevelopment plan aims to restore the building to its former glory. Additionally, it seeks to repurpose the site to benefit the city’s growing creative industries.

Littlewoods Building Transformation: Plans for the Redevelopment

The £70 million redevelopment of the Littlewoods site is a multifaceted project. It aims to revitalise the building and position Liverpool as a leading hub for TV and film production. The plan is to convert the building into a state-of-the-art film studio complex, with the potential to attract major productions to the city.

Developers will repurpose the existing building, which consists of three main sections: the east and west wings, and a 1960s addition known as the Hangar. These include office spaces, hotel accommodation for film crews, and educational facilities. The Hangar, once used as a canteen, will be transformed into a multi-purpose space for screenings and performances, complete with five small-format cinema screens and an outdoor performance area. The developers also plan to create a permanent food hall on the site. This addition will provide a social and cultural hub for the film industry and the local community.

One of the most exciting aspects of the project is the construction of two brand-new film studios, each measuring 20,000 square feet. These studios will offer much-needed indoor space for productions, allowing filmmakers to create large-scale sets in a controlled environment. The addition of these new facilities is expected to attract many high-profile productions to the city, further cementing Liverpool’s status as a key player in the global film industry.

Jobs and Economic Impact

The economic potential of the Littlewoods redevelopment is enormous. Liverpool City Council and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority have committed to the project. They recognise the significant benefits it could bring to the region. Last year, officials approved an initial £8 million to cover preparatory works, with the total investment set to reach £70 million.

Beyond the direct investment, the redevelopment of the Littlewoods building is expected to create thousands of jobs. The construction phase alone will provide employment opportunities for workers across a range of trades. Once complete, the site will provide permanent jobs in various roles. These roles will include film production, studio management, hospitality, and retail positions.

For local residents, the project offers more than just jobs—it represents the chance to see one of Liverpool’s most iconic buildings restored and put to good use. As John Moffat noted, many in the city have long anticipated the refurbishment of the Littlewoods building. The chance to revive this building while creating jobs has captivated the public’s imagination. Furthermore, it supports the local economy.

A Boost to Liverpool’s Creative Sector

Liverpool has long been a popular location for filmmakers, thanks to its diverse architecture and unique cityscape. The city has stood in for various international locations, including New York, London, and Moscow, in a wide array of productions. However, the lack of sufficient studio space in the city has often been cited as a limitation, forcing productions to use locations in other cities for indoor scenes.

The redevelopment of the Littlewoods building promises to address this issue by providing state-of-the-art studio facilities right in the heart of Liverpool. Filmmakers will have the space they need to create indoor sets with the construction of two large studios. This development will reduce the need to relocate production to other cities.

John Moffat believes that the project will significantly enhance Liverpool’s creative sector. “Liverpool already has a reputation as a world-class filming destination,” he said. “The Littlewoods Project will take it to the next level, providing much-needed indoor studio space and support facilities.”

Sustainability and Community Engagement

In addition to creating jobs and boosting the local economy, the Littlewoods redevelopment will also enhance the sustainability of the site. Developers Capital&Centric commit to improving the site’s green credentials. They plan to include various landscaping and community features in their designs.

A key feature of the redevelopment will include a public courtyard that the community can use. This courtyard will serve as a green space where people can relax and socialise, while also paying homage to the city’s rich history in film. The landscaping will honour both past and present screen stars. This design will link Liverpool’s cinematic heritage with its future as a film production hub.

Moreover, developers plan a public link between the site and nearby Wavertree Park, further integrating the Littlewoods building into the local community. They designed these community-oriented features to ensure that the redevelopment benefits not just the film industry but also local residents.

Littlewoods Building Transformation: Preserving the Building’s Heritage

The redevelopment of the Littlewoods building focuses on its future as a film production facility. However, the project also prioritises preserving its past. Restorers are carefully restoring the building’s historic architecture, retaining original features wherever possible.

One of the most challenging aspects of the project has been the restoration of the building’s clock tower, which sits between the two main wings. Over the years, the tower has become structurally unsound. Digital analysis of laser monitoring has revealed the extent of the damage. In its current state, the tower is at risk of collapse if left untreated. As a result, the decision has been made to demolish the clock tower and rebuild it using original materials salvaged from the site.

While this may seem like a drastic step, the developers remain committed to maintaining the building’s architectural integrity. They plan to rebuild the clock tower in its original spot. This action will preserve an important part of the site’s history while ensuring the structure’s safety and longevity.

Looking Ahead: The Future of the Littlewoods Site

The transformation of the Littlewoods building is a project of immense scope and ambition. The construction of the new studios is expected to take about a year. However, repurposing the existing structures will take longer due to the building’s historic fabric’s complexity. However, once complete, the site will offer a range of state-of-the-art facilities for film production, education, and community engagement.

Looking ahead, there is every reason to believe that the Littlewoods redevelopment will be a resounding success. Liverpool already has a well-established reputation as a world-class filming destination, and this project will enhance that status. The Littlewoods building, with its rich history and iconic architecture, is poised for an exciting future. Its forward-looking vision will help make the city a global hub for film and television production.

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