Chinatown Plans Submitted
A multi million pound redevelopment of Liverpool's Chinatown has moved a step closer after plans were put forward to the council last night. It will see 800 apartments, shops and a hotel built on land that's been laying empty. 200 Chinese businesses could create more than 1000 jobs. Peter McInnes Chair of Chinatown Development Company’s parent company North Point Global commented;
“During the bidding process it was clear that the Mayor and City Council wanted rapid progress on a key site that has been vacant for too long. It was equally important that we took time to listen and consult with local people and come up with a development that realises the potential of this hugely important site on the edge of Chinatown.”
The design and development team have held a series of face to face meetings with local businesses and community groups as well as holding public exhibitions at Parr Street Studios and The Pagoda Community Centre. Lead Architect for the scheme Antonio Garcia is delighted by the positive response to the proposed development that includes up to 800 apartments, 120,000 sq ft of commercial and retail space, a series of new public spaces and a 140-bed hotel. He commented:
“From the outset we believed that the site needed a bold and ambitious solution that would re-invent and regenerate Chinatown. We need to capture and express the energy of Chinese culture and commerce and create a vibrant new destination in the city centre.”
One of the most distinctive aspects of the development is the proposal to attract new Chinese businesses in to the area through the creation of bespoke live-work, retail and commercial spaces. The development’s commercial team has already had enormous interest from Chinese-based businesses looking for a UK outlet. Peter McInnes explained:
“There is massive enthusiasm and excitement in China about this project. Liverpool is home to Europe’s oldest Chinatown and the city has a strong brand and profile in China. We want to build on that to create a destination that is completely unique and that adds something radically different to the city’s offer.”
The consultation and engagement process is set to continue during the planning phase with further opportunities to shape the longer-term vision for the development site and wider Chinatown. Deputy Mayor, Councillor Ann O’Byrne, said:
“This site has tremendous potential to breathe new life into the wider area, creating new homes and jobs. The developer has come up with some extremely innovative ideas around developing links with China and the universities to bring a completely new commercial and retail offer to the area.”
A decision on the planning application is likely to be made before the end of November with work on phase 1 due to start before the end of this year.