Liverpool planning committee approves plan for £12m 99-bed student living scheme on the edge of the city centre that will see the demolition of a former textile warehouse. Tony McDonough reports
Molyneux Developments has secured planning consent for a 99-bed student accommodation scheme in Liverpool’s Fabric District.
On Tuesday the city council’s planning committee approved the proposal for the £12m project off Gildart Street and close to London Road. It comprises 85 ensuite cluster apartments, plus 14 studios, two of which are accessible.
This scheme will also provide a roof terrace and communal areas at ground floor level. 1,755 sq ft of flexible commercial space will also be provided at ground floor, providing additional street-level animation.
Before building the seven-storey building, Molyneux will demolish the former textile warehouse that currently stands on the site. Work will likely begin early in 2025, said project engineer Alex Fairhurst of AJF Engineering Consultants.
He added: “The site poses a number of complex engineering and construction challenges due to the very tight plot and deep basement.
“Foundation, basement, and drainage designs will need to take into account these constraints to provide a structurally efficient and cost-effective solution. We’ll also need to provide carefully considered temporary works designs.
“General logistics and materials storage will need to be meticulously planned and coordinated to avoid disruptions, and to allow the project to run smoothly. We’re looking forward to the challenge.”
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Comprising 33,500 sq ft, the new building has been designed by Revival Architect, with Baltic PDC acting as planning consultants. The site was purchased in a private sale in April of this year. Construction is expected to take 24 months to complete.
Kevin Odger of Molyneux Developments said: “My thanks go to Liverpool Council for its guidance throughout the application process. We’ve sought to work collaboratively, and today’s approval is evidence of that working.”