Liverpool City Council has granted planning permission for Brunswick Yard, a major £150 million mixed-use development set to transform a derelict industrial site near the city's southern docks. The project, led by developer MerseyBuild Developments, will create over 500 new jobs and deliver 300 modern homes, alongside extensive commercial and public spaces.
The development is a key component of the city's ongoing urban regeneration strategy, aiming to revitalise underused land and boost the local economy. Construction is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2025, with an estimated completion date in late 2027.
Key Takeaways
- A £150 million mixed-use development named Brunswick Yard has been approved.
- The project will create an estimated 550 permanent jobs and 200 construction roles.
- It includes 300 new residential apartments, with 20% designated as affordable housing.
- The plan features 80,000 square feet of commercial space and a new public park.
Project Vision and Scope
Brunswick Yard is designed to be a vibrant new neighbourhood on a 10-acre brownfield site that has been vacant for over a decade. The masterplan, created by Liverpool-based architects Harrison & Co., integrates residential, commercial, and leisure facilities to foster a dynamic community atmosphere.
The core of the project involves the construction of several buildings of varying heights, housing 300 one, two, and three-bedroom apartments. A significant portion of these homes addresses a key city need.
According to the planning application, 20% of the residential units (60 apartments) will be designated as affordable housing, available for shared ownership or affordable rent schemes. This aligns with the city's targets for increasing accessible housing options.
A Focus on Community and Green Space
Central to the design is a new 2-acre public park, which will serve as the development's green heart. The plans also include a central plaza intended for community events, outdoor markets, and social gatherings.
"Our vision for Brunswick Yard is not just to build structures, but to create a place where people can live, work, and thrive. We are committed to delivering high-quality public realm and sustainable infrastructure that will benefit both new residents and the wider Liverpool community for generations to come."
– Sarah Jennings, CEO of MerseyBuild Developments
The development also promises to enhance local connectivity, with new pedestrian and cycle paths linking the site to the nearby Brunswick Dock and the city centre.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
The £150 million investment is projected to provide a substantial boost to the Liverpool City Region's economy. The construction phase alone is expected to generate approximately 200 jobs, creating opportunities for local tradespeople and construction firms.
Once completed, the commercial and retail elements of Brunswick Yard are forecast to support long-term employment.
Long-Term Employment Projections
An economic impact assessment submitted with the planning documents estimates the creation of up to 550 permanent, full-time equivalent jobs. These roles will span various sectors, including retail, hospitality, office administration, and facilities management, providing a diverse range of employment opportunities.
The 80,000 square feet of commercial space is divided into flexible units designed to attract a mix of independent retailers, cafes, restaurants, and modern office tenants. This is intended to create a self-sustaining local economy within the new development.
Sustainable Design and Infrastructure
Sustainability is a core principle of the Brunswick Yard project. The developers have outlined a comprehensive strategy to minimise the environmental impact of the new buildings and promote green living among its future residents.
Key Sustainability Features
The project incorporates several modern environmental technologies and design principles:
- Energy Efficiency: All buildings will be constructed to high energy efficiency standards, featuring superior insulation, triple-glazed windows, and energy-saving lighting systems.
- Renewable Energy: Rooftop solar panels will be installed on the largest commercial and residential blocks to generate clean energy for communal areas.
- Sustainable Transport: The site will include extensive secure bicycle storage and electric vehicle (EV) charging points for every residential parking space.
- Water Management: A sustainable urban drainage system (SuDS) will be implemented to manage rainwater runoff, reducing the strain on the local sewer system and creating natural water features within the public park.
These features are designed not only to meet regulatory requirements but also to lower long-term running costs for residents and businesses, making the development both environmentally and economically sustainable.
Council Response and Next Steps
The approval from Liverpool City Council's planning committee was granted with cross-party support, highlighting the project's alignment with the city's strategic development goals. Councillors praised the scheme's focus on regenerating a derelict site and its commitment to providing affordable housing.
Councillor Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, commented on the decision.
"The approval of Brunswick Yard marks another significant step forward in our mission to transform unused parts of our city into thriving communities. This development will not only deliver much-needed new homes and jobs but also create a high-quality public space that everyone can enjoy. It is a testament to the confidence investors have in Liverpool's future."
With planning permission secured, MerseyBuild Developments will now move to the final stages of technical design and procurement. Site preparation is expected to commence early next year, with the first phase of residential units scheduled for market release in 2026.