Government endorses £150 mil. Great Homer Street redevlopment
Outline planning consent for Liverpool’s ‘most ambitious suburban regeneration scheme for decades’ – Great Homer Street – has been endorsed by Government Minister Ruth Kelly’s Department of Communities and Local Government.
St Modwen Developments Ltd, chosen by Liverpool City Council as preferred developer for the £150 million mixed use project on 45 acres in North Liverpool, is now to prepare a detailed masterplan and continue negotiations with landowners to acquire the land needed to complete the scheme, which is expected to begin in summer 2008.
The development will comprise a 115,000 sq ft superstore, 80,000 sq ft of non-food retail stores, new market hall and 300 relocated outdoor market stalls, 480 homes, and facilities for a Primary Care Trust centre, new library, leisure facilities and 80,000 sq ft of light industrial space.
As part of the regeneration of Great Homer Street, there are also plans for a market square and public transport interchange.
St Modwen is currently in negotiations with a major foodstore operator to take the anchor store and as part of the compulsory purchase order (CPO) process is to relocate industrial businesses on the site.
Chris Newsome of St Modwen, welcoming the endorsement by the Government, described the project as a “very challenging and exciting opportunity to regenerate an area of Liverpool that in past years has suffered from under-investment.”
He added: “We have worked closely with the city council to ensure this regeneration happens and while there is still a lot of work to be done, this decision means we can now move forward with pace and purpose. Our aim is to transform the area into a vibrant centre for people to live and work.”
Coun. Peter Millea, Liverpool City Council executive member for regeneration and transport, said: “The department’s decision recognises how important the scheme is to kick start vital new investment in the north of the city. We all look forward to seeing the creation of a new sustainable community within the Great Homer Street area and the further investment and opportunities that it will undoubtedly bring.”
Background notes:
Great Homer Street is in the fourth most deprived ward in the country. The site, bounded by Scotland Road (A59), currently comprises secondary industrial units and a 1970s shopping precinct. Over the past two years under Project Jennifer, St Modwen has consulted widely about its plans and generated broad community support.
For further information contact Chris Newsome of St Modwen (01925 825950). Issued by Paul Raymer of Howle Chapman Raymer (0121 236 7771).
