Baltic Creative Community Interest Company is behind plans to create 17,000 sq ft of flexible workspace in the four-storey red brick warehouse at 61-65 Norfolk Street. Tony McDonough reports

Building firm John Turner Construction has secured a contract to transform a 19th century docklands warehouse in Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle into a digital business hub.

In October last year, Baltic Creative Community Interest Company, which is behind the hugely successful Baltic Creative complex, announced plans to create 17,000 sq ft of flexible workspace in the four-storey red brick warehouse at 61-65 Norfolk Street.

The organisation secured £2.6m investment from The Charity Bank and European Regional Development Fund to purchase a 125-year lease from the city council and embark on the transformation.

Baltic Creative has now awarded the contract for the refurbishment to John Turner Construction, which has bases in Liverpool, Manchester and Preston.

Currently in a state of disrepair, the derelict warehouse will be fully restored and will offer a variety of different sized studios and collaborative breakout areas, meeting rooms and co-working spaces.

A public cafe and events space will feature on the ground floor along with an external green area.

Built by paper stock, metal and general merchant, William Smith during the late 19th century, the building was used as a grain warehouse according to insurance records.

On completion of the restoration programme, Baltic Triangle’s first digital technology hub will support around 30 companies and create 150 full time jobs.

Mark Lawler, managing director of Baltic Creative CIC, said, ‘This process has been a long time in the making and it has been the most challenging acquisition that I have worked on in my career to date.

“Here at Baltic Creative we are witnessing a huge demand for dedicated tech space and we’re committed to transforming 61-63 Norfolk Street into a scheme which will support the growth of digital businesses.”

John Turner Construction Group has been in business since 1907. The £77m-turnover company has divisions covering construction, joinery manufacturing, electrical services and maintenance works across all industry sectors.