Developer Legacie Developments has agreed to acquire a proposed multi-million pound residential development in Liverpool from Elliot Group if it is approved by councillors this week. Tony McDonough reports
Legacie Developments has agreed a deal with Elliot group to acquire a multi-million pound residential scheme in Liverpool – subject to planning approval.
In April, plans to convert a former probation centre in Falkner Street into 180 student bedrooms and 105 residential apartments was put before the council’s planning committee but the decision was deferred.
There has been a strong local campaign against the scheme from people living nearby and from the L8 Matters Community Land Trust. Despite planning officers recommending approval, Labour councillor Joe Hanson proposed an amendment that the application be refused due to a lack of parking and the detrimental effect on local residents.
Although the site is currently still owned by Elliot Group, it told the committee it had no interest in continuing the development and a deal has been agreed to sell the property to Legacie conditional on the scheme being approved by the committee on Tuesday (May 2).
Legacie, which has successfully delivered a number of residential schemes in Liverpool and is currently building the £90m Parliament Square project in the Baltic Triangle, is proposing an amended scheme comprising 105 apartments and 63 student units.
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It says the site has been a “magnet” for anti-social behaviour as well as instances of fly tipping. Legacie managing director Gavin Currie said: “We are incredibly hopeful that the planning committee recognise our commitment to regenerating this site and delivering quality accommodation.
“Legacie Developments has a solid track record of working across the city and the wider North West to accomplish such schemes. We have agreed a deal to purchase the site, subject to planning permission being received, from the previous owner and have put forward a new vision.
“It is pleasing that planning officials are recommending approval and so we hope it will be passed at the next meeting.”