Liverpool City Council reveals plans to sell a huge 55-acre site in the north of the city to create 500,000 sq ft of employment space and 220 new homes. Tony McDonough reports
Liverpool City Council is to seek interest from developers for a huge 55-acre site on the outskirts of the city that could provide hundreds of jobs and new homes.
Stonebridge Cross is located in Croxteth next to the East Lancs Road (A580) and has been empty for a number of years. It is one of the biggest development sites in the city and the council originally envisaged a warehouse / industrial scheme.
However, these plans never came to fruition and in 2021 a report to the cabinet recommended a pivot to developing new homes on the land. However, officers have changed their minds again and are now recommending a mixed-use approach.
This would be a 70/30 ratio in favour of industrial use with the proposal for around 500,000 sq ft of employment space and a smaller plot where 220 new homes would be built, including a mix of market, affordable and social dwellings.
A report going before the cabinet on Tuesday, July 14, will recommend the the council appoint a specialist marketing agent to promote the site and secure developer interest.
“The recommended strategy is to bring the site to market as an employment-led mixed-use development, supported by a comprehensive approach to development and good placemaking principles, delivered through a conditional land disposal,” it reads.
It also says: “Redevelopment of Stonebridge Cross also provides an opportunity to support wider regeneration in Croxteth and the surrounding area by delivering new homes, jobs, improved environmental quality and stronger connections to local services.
“The masterplan should consider social value impacts on the local community and area. Identifying how any new development can improve links to existing local retail and community facilities, including the Moss Way parade, which would benefit from additional footfall and investment would be beneficial.
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“Work will also be undertaken with partners to create opportunities to improve local health and community infrastructure, where this can be aligned with the wider regeneration of the area.”
There is already a signifiant industrial space close by. In particular the large headquarters and distribution complex for discount retailer Home Bargains.