Liverpool City Council’s planning committee has approved plans to transform the iconic former Littlewoods building in Liverpool into a film and TV studio and campus.
Subject to final funding being agreed, the go-ahead from the council will kick start the main restoration works, including two new 20,000ft2 studios for big-budget productions, as well as spaces for offices, workshops, studio support facilities and an education facility.
The plans for the Council-owned site were submitted by social impact developers Capital&Centric last year.
The site will also be opened up and made accessible to surrounding communities. It will feature five small format cinema screens, an outdoor performance space and permanent food hall.
The planned new sound stages will take around a year to be built and become operational. The programme for repurposing the existing building is longer due to the complexity of dealing with the existing structures.
Capital&Centric is working with Liverpool City Council as freeholder of the site and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority as project funders. The Combined Authority, led by Mayor Steve Rotheram, has committed up to £17m to the project.
It is anticipated that the Littlewoods Project will bring around 4,000 full-time equivalent jobs in the region’s creative sector.
The team behind the Littlewoods Project includes architect shedkm and planners Avison Young.
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, said: “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.”
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