Capital&Centric has secured planning consent to transform the former Littlewoods building in Liverpool into a new film and TV campus.
Subject to the next tranche of funding being agreed, Capital&Centric will kick-start the main restoration works, which include the creation of two new 20,000 sq ft studios for big budget productions, in addition to office space, workshops, studio support facilities and an education facility.
The former canteen, which was housed in a barrel-vaulted hangar, will be transformed into a multi-purpose screening and performance zone for the use of occupiers on the site, and it will be opened up to members of the general public out of hours. The space will comprise five small format cinema screens, an outdoor performance area and a permanent foodhall.
Capital&Centric is working with Liverpool City Council as freeholder of the site and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority as project funders. The latter has committed up to £17m to the project.
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, added: “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.”
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 project team also includes architect shedkm and planners Avison Young.
