A former HSBC data centre facility in Merseyside will be transformed into a 186,000 sq ft mixed-use digital business hub after being given the go-ahead by council planners. Tony McDonough reports
Planners have given the go-ahead for the £70m transformation of a former HSBC data centre facility into an office and digital business hub.
Under the plan put forward by L51 Developments and supported by Sefton Council, the project will see the refurbishment of two existing buildings and forming a single 120,000 sq ft facility in Bridle Road in Bootle by constructing a 33,000 sq ft link.
An existing 36,000 sq ft office hub fronting Bridle Road will be retained and upgrade. Work will begin early in 2022 eventually delivering a mixed-used development of around 186,000 sq ft.
Sefton Council’s business growth team, InvestSefton, has worked with L51 from its initial interest in the site, through funding options to bringing potential investors to the table.
Advisers will continue to support them as the development takes off, and employment opportunities will be promoted to nearby residents through the Council’s Sefton@Work programme.
Pa Nolan, director of L51, said: “The development will release a refurbished office of 30,000 sq ft, finished in a modern, flexible, contemporary design, designed by leading architects, Mather & Co and Tim Groom Architects.
“The planning approves a new 36,000 sq ft light industrial unit, designed for several uses. The existing two data centres will be joined by a new structure, to provide a single modern data centre of 120,000 sq ft.
“The support that the InvestSefton advisors have provided to the project to date has been immeasurable and we are really excited about the future of the site now that we can push forward with the project.”
Cllr Marion Atkinson Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills, added: “Investment and development of this kind here in Sefton is absolutely critical to not just our borough, but to the whole of the Liverpool city region’s digital infrastructure.
“As our ways of working are driven by technology more than ever before, it is vital that Sefton supports those who have the vision to create state-of-the-art facilities and working environments that provide the best opportunities for job creation and business growth.”