Plans have been submitted to Liverpool City Council to demolish existing buildings and construct a six-storey development in a “largely ignored” area on the northern edge of the city centre. The proposed development, situated between Rose Place and Great Richmond Street, would provide 117 new homes, comprising a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom flats, subject to approval.
The plans, submitted by SGL 4 Ltd, would also involve relocating an existing joinery business and demolishing working buildings to make way for the new homes. According to the design and access statement accompanying the application, the site currently consists of warehouses and yard space, and is a central plot in the streetscape, with light industrial uses on either side.
The report notes that the area has “largely been ignored” in planning for wider development in Liverpool, but highlights the recent construction of the new Merseyside Police headquarters on a nearby site between St Anne Street and Scotland Road. The application seeks full approval for a five-storey residential block with a recessed sixth storey, offering 117 apartments with a favourable mix of unit sizes.
Referring to the police development, the report adds: “Unfortunately the headquarters do not add to the environmental quality of the areas surrounding it, as it is isolated on an island between major traffic routes.”
The area, which once boasted a mix of residential, social and industrial functions, has seen many of these replaced by light industry. Narrow streets are now used for parking, creating “inhospitable environments” for pedestrians, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Despite several residential schemes being developed or under construction, there has been “no concerted effort to create a community,” the report noted. It highlighted a few visually strong local landmarks – remnants of the industrial past – and a clear local material palette.
However, it stressed: “There is a need for these varied elements to be brought together to create a harmonious community.”
The site currently houses a joiners who will continue to operate from the premises until construction begins, unless they relocate sooner. The development plans include four additional commercial units on the ground floor.
Car parking will provide 40 spaces, including three disabled spaces located adjacent to the lifts for easy access. Bin and bike storage will also be situated on the ground floor.
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Author: Sustainability, energy & environment
