More than 500 new flats could be built in one of Liverpool’s historic docklands.
An amended planning application has been put forward to the city council for the construction of four interlinked tower blocks to house hundreds of new homes on Brunswick Quay, on the southern edge of the city centre. This is the latest twist in the long-running saga of the site which has been owned by Cheshire-based Maro Developments for the past 20 years.
When the land was first purchased in 2003 by the firm used as a property vehicle for Merseyside-born Matalan founder John Hargreaves, proposals were developed for a 51-storey tower block before proving not to be economically viable and thrown out by planning inspectors and the then Secretary of State. According to a revised design and access statement, more “modest” proposals were developed but these were then halted with the onset of the recession five years later.
READ MORE: 'Ice sheet' road closed by police as cars crash in 'major incident'
The new plans, to build four blocks between seven and 11 storeys high, will feature 195 one bed apartments, 329 two bed and 28 three bed. They have been adjusted to reduce the number of single bedroom apartments and increase the two-bed apartment number by two.
The land, in the historic dock built almost 200 years ago, has been vacant for some time with planning permission originally granted back in 2020. A planning statement from Roman Summer Architects said the quay is a cleared, former industrial site.
It is accessed from Atlantic Way, which borders the site to the south. Brunswick Dock forms the eastern perimeter of the site. The River Mersey and the dock gate form the boundary to the west.
Among the residential developments proposed are plans for a commercial unit on the ground floor of one of the towers, as well as 307 car parking spaces, 552 cycle parking spaces and private communal piazzas. The planning statement said: “The scheme has the potential to draw upon local labour for the construction of the new homes.
“While many of these jobs will be located on the site itself, others will be based in the wider Liverpool area, with some further afield within the construction supply chain. The jobs will vary in type, from elementary occupations (e.g. site labourers) to professional and higher skilled technical occupations (e.g. project managers and site surveyors.”
It claimed how the proposal will address the need for more housing in Liverpool and will play a part in rectifying the city’s “poor performance” in delivering new homes. A date has not been set for it to be considered by the Liverpool Council planning committee.
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
READ NEXT
Woman in serious condition after 'machete' attack as man remains in custody
Stomach churning photos show inside Chinese takeaway hit with £6,000 fine
Live updates as ice causes travel disruption across Merseyside
When will teachers across Merseyside go on strike? Full list of dates
Gangster who 'shared TikTok rap videos from prison' up for parole
