Liverpool City Council appoints Liverpool architects shedkm and Manchester planning consultancy HOW Planning to create a planning framework for the north docklands plan. Tony McDonough reports
Two specialist consultancies have been appointed to create detailed plans for the Ten Streets regeneration scheme in Liverpool’s north docklands.
Ten Streets is a plan to create a second creative and digital industries hub in the city, replicating the success of the Baltic Triangle just south of the city centre.
It has also been earmarked to house a major cultural venue and house the athletes village if Liverpool’s bid to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games is successful.
And, in nearby Bramley Moore Dock, Everton FC is planning to build a new stadium.
Contracts awarded
Now Liverpool architects shedkm and Manchester planning consultancy HOW Planning have been tasked with creating a planning framework and development principles.
Both firms were awarded the contracts by Liverpool City Council following a competitive tender process to produce what is known as a Spatial Regeneration Framework (SRF).
Big vision
The council unveiled Ten Streets earlier this year which comprises 10 big ideas to regenerate 125 acres of former dockland between the northern edge of the city centre and the landmark Tobacco warehouse at Stanley Dock.
It lies within the poorest ward in the UK – Kirkdale – and has the potential for up to 1m sq ft of development, delivering around 2,500 new jobs.
The city is keen to attract creative companies and enterprises to flourish alongside artistic organisations, which will include the UK’s first revolving theatre.
‘Fantastic opportunity’
Neil Lucas, partner at HOW Planning, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to create a vibrant new neighbourhood in Liverpool city centre – one that celebrates and builds upon the area’s heritage and unique characteristics.
“We look forward to working closely with Liverpool City Council, Harcourt (owners of the nearby Titanic Hotel), and other stakeholders in delivering the vision.”
New investment
Liverpool city council has already made a big commitment to improving transport infrastructure in the area and is currently investing £100m in upgrading the roads, creating a new cruise liner terminal and is in talks to establish new rail connections.
It has also approved Regional Growth Fund to be invested in The Kazimier’s Invisible Wind Factory which is seen as one of the primary creative incubators in the district.