A scheme to redevelop one of Liverpool’s historic squares — originally laid out in the mid-18th century to provide homes for the city’s growing merchant classes — have been unveiled by developer Elliot Group.
The £40m project, designed by Liverpool architects Falconer Chester Hall, will involve the construction of five blocks enclosing three sides of Wolstenholme Square, some as high as 10-storeys. All the ground floor space would be let to cafes, restaurants, shops, and leisure businesses with upper floors offered as Grade A offices and more than 350 residential apartments.
“We are not there yet as it’s vital that the square’s stakeholders get a chance to tell us what they think, but what’s currently on the table is exciting and imaginative,” said Elliot Lawless, of the Elliot Group.
Two of the existing square’s biggest “stakeholders” are the internationally famous nightclub Cream and iconic city music venue The Kazimier, which is vacating its long-time venue on New Year’s Day 2016.
Lawless added: “The two clubs are emblematic brands for Liverpool and we’re keen to support them. We’ve had some very positive discussions with both operators and although in its very early stages and this project presents them with a huge opportunity to do something exciting.”
Launched in late 1994, Cream rarely attracts less than 3,000 visitors each week. “We have been working with the developers to ensure that the cultural hub of the square remains and that Cream continue to thrive,” commented the club’s Scott Barton. “These discussions remain ongoing and we’re excited about the plans.”
It is still uncertain whether The Kazimier will return to the revamped square. Spokesman, Liam Naughton, explained: “We support the proposed plans for the project; the redevelopment of Wolstenholme Square has been expected for some time.
“However, The Kazimier will not be moving into a new site offered within the development. Talks are still in progress with the Elliot Group about a team of interested parties from the Kazimier staff and other parties taking on this opportunity.”
Elliot Lawless said several months of public consultation needed to be undertaken before his company would submit a planning application. Completed in the late 1700s, Wolstenholme Square kept pace with Liverpool’s commercial expansion and eventually evolved into an industrial neighbourhood serving the docks. It was badly damaged during the Blitz, when the Dutch-style Valspar paint factory was destroyed, later replaced by warehousing.
The Elliot Group was also recently granted permission for the refurbishment of nearby Heap’s Rice Mill, one of the few surviving Victorian warehouse complexes in Liverpool’s south docks.
