Liverpool City Council has launched the search for a development partner to transform the iconic 11-hectare Festival Gardens site in Liverpool.
The Festival Gardens’ Development Zone, which is part of a wider 36-hectare site, is located on the waterfront 5km from Liverpool city centre.
It is envisaged that the residential-led development will offer a range of multigenerational living options and housing types and tenures, including more than 20% affordable housing.
Liam Robinson, leader of Liverpool City Council, said: “This is a major milestone moment in the evolution of the Festival Gardens site. The appointment of a development partner will see the completion of the International Garden Festival initiative and marks the final chapter in a 40-year story of a site which originally covered 250 acres. It will also ensure that the UK’s only remaining Festival Gardens are preserved and enhanced for future generations to enjoy.
“We know how well-loved this area is and want to make sure that we are doing as much as we can to ensure this prime waterfront land has the potential to be a flagship development that sets the standard for sustainable housing in the UK. It’s an incredibly exciting time and is the next step in making this in-demand, thriving community a reality.”
Montagu Evans is leading on the procurement for the city council as part of a multi-disciplinary team comprised of Mace, architecture and urban design group Metropolitan Workshop and architectural practice Shedkm.
Oliver Maury, partner at Montagu Evans, said: “The aim now is to create an exemplary residential-led neighbourhood that will bring people together, encourage social interaction and foster a sense of community. LCC’s new development partner should offer a viable and deliverable scheme, driven by best practice; creativity and innovation in design, place-making and sustainability; and delivering a robust response to climate change. It is an exciting opportunity on a well-connected landmark site and we are looking forward to the range of approaches that are set to come forward.”
Interested parties are invited to submit a standard selection questionnaire by noon on 4 November 2024 and the selection of a preferred bidder is expected by September 2025.
