Developers have submitted an application to demolish several buildings at Liverpool's northern docklands, marking the first physical step in a £1 billion regeneration scheme. The project, known as King Edward Triangle, includes plans for a 60-storey tower that would become the city's tallest building.
Key Takeaways
- An application has been filed to demolish several buildings to prepare the King Edward Triangle site for construction.
- The £1 billion project is a joint venture between KEIE Limited (part of the TJ Morris group) and the Beetham Organisation.
- Plans include a 60-storey skyscraper set to be Liverpool's new tallest building, surpassing the current West Tower.
- The development aims to create up to 2,000 new homes and the city's first AA-rated five-star hotel.
- The project is a significant part of the wider Liverpool Waters regeneration of the city's northern docklands.
Initial Steps for a Landmark Development
The first tangible progress on the ambitious King Edward Triangle skyscraper development is now underway. An application has been officially submitted to Liverpool City Council requesting permission to clear a portion of the eight-acre site located on Gibraltar Row. This preparatory work is essential for the construction of what is being described as a landmark project for the city.
The application was filed by Davos Property Developments Limited, an entity within the TJ Morris Group, and its partner Beetham Davos Ltd. If approved, the demolition will pave the way for a construction compound needed to support the project's first phase.
Buildings Marked for Demolition
The request specifically targets a collection of unlisted industrial and commercial buildings situated on the northern edge of the development site. The structures slated for removal are:
- Four blocks of buildings located on Roberts Street.
- A building at 1 Greenock Street.
- The former Greek restaurant at 11-14 Waterloo Road.
- A martial arts building next to the former King Edward pub site.
Notably, a historic brick office building that was part of a former engineering works on Paisley Street is not included in the demolition plans. Additionally, the developers will seek a separate stopping-up order to close parts of Roberts Street, Greenock Street, and Denison Street to facilitate construction.
Background of the Site
The King Edward Triangle site was previously an industrial estate. Its sale for this large-scale development was made possible after Liverpool City Council agreed to a £1.5 million deal to lift a restrictive covenant on the land, which previously prevented the construction of tall buildings.
A Transformative Vision for Liverpool's Skyline
The £1 billion King Edward Triangle scheme represents a major investment in Liverpool's future. It is a joint venture between two significant North West developers: KEIE Limited, part of the TJ Morris group which owns the successful retail chain Home Bargains, and the Beetham Organisation, led by Hugh Frost.
The Beetham Organisation is renowned for changing Liverpool's skyline with the construction of the 40-storey West Tower, which is currently the city's tallest building. This new project aims to surpass that achievement significantly.
Project by the Numbers
- Investment: £1 Billion
- Proposed Homes: Up to 2,000 units
- Tallest Tower: 60 storeys
- Site Area: 8 acres
- First Phase Tower: 28 storeys, 255 units
The Centrepiece: A New Tallest Tower and Five-Star Hotel
The masterplan for the development is ambitious, featuring a series of high-rise buildings. The most prominent of these will be a 60-storey skyscraper intended to become the new tallest building in Liverpool. This tower is also slated to house the city's first officially recognised five-star hotel, a luxury amenity that local leaders believe is crucial for attracting international tourism and business.
Currently, Liverpool does not have a hotel with a five-star rating from the industry-standard AA inspectorate. The inclusion of such a facility is seen as a key component of the project's prestige.
Developer and Council Confidence
The developers are moving forward with confidence and speed. The first phase of the project, a 28-storey tower with 255 residential units, already has a planning application submitted, with a decision expected from the council in the autumn.
"We are moving at pace and have every confidence in the quality of what we will deliver. These applications keep us on track."
Mr. Frost confirmed that work on the wider masterplan is ongoing and that a major public consultation will be held to engage with the community about the future of the site.
A 'London-Scale Development'
City officials have expressed strong support for the project, highlighting its potential economic impact. Liverpool City Council's cabinet member for growth and economy, Cllr Nick Small, has been a vocal proponent of the scheme.
"What we have got with the King Edward Triangle is a London-scale development in Liverpool. It is the first billion pound development scheme in Liverpool. It is residential-led, there is the potential to do about 2,000 housing units."
Cllr Small also emphasized the value of having a local investor like TJ Morris leading the project. He noted that their long-term perspective is crucial for delivering a high-quality, sustainable development, comparing it to the successful approach taken with the Liverpool ONE shopping district.
He added, "It is also about having a five star hotel in Liverpool and some of the operators looking are big names, serious players that we need in this city."
Part of the Broader Liverpool Waters Scheme
The King Edward Triangle is one of the designated neighbourhoods within the Liverpool Waters masterplan. This long-term, multi-billion-pound initiative, led by Peel Waters, aims to completely transform 60 hectares of the city's historic northern docklands.
The project seeks to create a world-class, mixed-use waterfront quarter, reconnecting the post-industrial dock areas with the city centre. The King Edward Triangle development will be a major catalyst within this wider regeneration, bringing significant residential, commercial, and leisure space to the area.
The project's delivery team includes planning consultancy Pegasus Group and masterplan architects Brock Carmichael, who are tasked with shaping the vision for this new city district. As demolition work begins, Liverpool moves one step closer to a dramatic and modern alteration of its world-famous skyline.