Go ahead for Hollywood of the north

Built in 1938, the art deco landmark, which was once the home to the Littlewoods football pools company, will be converted into film and TV studios.

To be developed by Capital & Centric, the scheme will include two 1,850m² studios for big budget productions, as well as offices, workshops, studio support facilities and an education space.

The former canteen, which was housed in a barrel-vaulted hangar is to become a multi-purpose screening and performance zone, which will be for the use of occupiers on site, and then open to the public out of hours. It will have five small cinema screens, an outdoor performance space and a food hall.

Capital & Centric Joint Managing Director John Moffat 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.”

Councillor Nick Small, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Growth and Economy, said: “It’s fantastic news that the Littlewoods project has been greenlit by the city’s planning committee. It means the stage is set for it to play a lead role in transforming Liverpool’s TV and Film offer. There’s still some plot development to take place and we’ll be working closely with Capital & Centric and the Combined Authority to ensure a truly blockbuster scheme is delivered.”