Manchester-based developer has successfully circumvented a planning refusal by Liverpool City Council, utilising recently altered planning laws. The council’s planning committee had twice rejected recommendations to permit the conversion of a former city centre office block into residential apartments.
The council initially refused the conversion proposal for the former Barclays Bank office building in Moorfields, opposite the Merseyrail station, on June 4, by a narrow vote of 5-4. Councillors cited issues related to S106 matters and affordable housing. A second hearing on June 25 resulted in another denial, this time with a 5-3 vote split, based on the same grounds.
The developer argued that the scheme was financially unfeasible, even before considering the requirements for affordable housing and S106 contributions. Following the second refusal, the developer declined to comment.
The project is now set to commence with confirmed permitted planning permission from Liverpool City Council. This change follows an update to Permitted Development rules by the previous government in March, which increased the upper limit on the size of buildings that could be converted from office use to residential apartments.
Howard Lord, the managing director, stated: ‘We’ve been active in the Liverpool commercial market for several years, with our highly successful creative and tech hub, Elevator Studios, and our award-winning restoration and letting of Duke & Parr. We have operated Centric as serviced offices for a number of years and with the pandemic affecting occupancy, the opportunity arose to look to extend our residential expertise into Liverpool to reinvigorate Centric.’
He further highlighted the impact of planning reforms, saying: ‘Planning reform is a hot topic, with, in our view, the viability process being something requiring specific focus from Labour’s newly formed government to help the process run smoothly and ensure housing targets are met. Our residential track record in Manchester speaks for itself with our commitment to deliver contemporary and desirable places to live, with this same approach applied to our first residential venture in Liverpool.’
Centric will provide high-quality, central urban living spaces with 46 one- and two-bed apartments, featuring a resident community lounge, secure underground parking, and bike-storage facilities. The contractors, Truman Design & Build, are scheduled to take possession of the site in the second week of September and complete the works within a year. The project is set to be operational by 2025, with in-house property management.
Planning consultancy and quantity surveying for the scheme are being handled by Enabl.
This development exploits recent changes in planning laws to move forward despite initial setbacks. The project promises to deliver high-quality living spaces and contribute to the urban residential landscape.