In 2017 former Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson proposed building up to 2,500 new homes on Festival Gardens – but the final total will be considerably lower. Tony McDonough reports
Liverpool City Council has revealed the final figure for the number of homes to be built at the former International Garden Festival on south Liverpool waterfront.
In 2017 former Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson proposed building up to 2,500 new homes on what is now known as the Festival Gardens site, as well as a new Mersey Ferry terminal. The ferry idea was soon shelved and the number of homes cut to 1,500.
In August LBN revealed North West developer Urban Splash and igloo Regeneration had won a competitive tender to take forward the development with the likely number of “up to” 1,000 homes.
On Tuesday the city council said the scheme would now comprise no more than 800 homes. Pending cabinet approval, a planning application for phase one will be submitted in late 2026 for the construction of 440 homes.
These would include 80 extra care and 110 affordable homes – surpassing the council’s 20% target. If approved, work would begin in spring 2027, with phase two and three to follow providing up to 800 homes in total.
This proposed scheme, which has the backing of Homes England and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, will deliver 34 different styles of build.
City council leader Liam Robinson said: “We have always wanted to deliver an amazing housing scheme befitting this stunning location. And I think the plans outlined in this report show that the ambition to do something truly special can and will be delivered.”
In 1984 the south Liverpool waterfront site was the location for the International Garden Festival which attracted 3m visitors.
Since then, apart from a short-lived venue called Pleasure Island, the site has remained empty. A new park called Southern Grasslands was created in 2023.
Since it was founded in 1993, Urban Splash has delivered a number of regeneration schemes in Liverpool and Manchester. Liverpool projects include the Ropewalks, Concert Square, Tea Factory, Old Haymarket and the Matchworks in Garston.
There have been a number of schemes delivered by igloo in locations including Ouseburn Valley Newcastle, Trent Basin Nottingham and Dundashill Glasgow. The city council cabinet is expected to formally endorse the joint venture at a meeting next week.
A report to cabinet outlines a scheme which aims to maximise the use of renewable energy sources and “cutting-edge construction techniques” to minimise its carbon footprint.
A blend of diverse designs will accommodate a multitude of needs such as co-housing, social rent, mixed tenure family homes, retirement living and self-build.
A planning application would follow a public consultation which would also feature in-depth detail on community facilities, public open space and other infrastructure to cater for the needs of a growing residential and working population.
Extra care will be delivered by Alpha Living, affordable homes by the Regenda Group. Co-housing by TOWN with modular homes provided by Starship. Urban Splash Residential Fund, Urban Splash and igloo will also deliver elements of the scheme.
Other partners on the scheme include law firm DWF, property consultancy Montagu, project delivery consultant and construction expert Mace, architecture and urban design group Metropolitan Workshop and architectural practice Shedkm.
Jonathan Falkingham, co-founder of Urban Splash, added: “Festival Gardens is one of Liverpool’s biggest opportunities. It’s a huge privilege to have been selected as the city’s development partner on the creation of this new riverside neighbourhood.
“Our aim is to create a place for everyone and embrace the spirit of the original Garden Festival – showcasing outstanding housing design, innovative landscape strategies for healthier living, and building on the arts and cultural programme initiated 40 years ago.”