Developer Legacie starts work on the £140m transformation of the historic Heap’s Rice Mill in Liverpool into apartments, a hotel and a museum. Tony McDonough reports
A former rice mill dating back to the late 1700s is to be transformed into a £140m residential development.
Liverpool-based Legacie Developments has started work on Heap’s Rice Mill on the edge of the city centre. This mixed-use scheme will see 620 apartments as well as an underground spa and museum.
Previously used by Joseph Heap & Sons, the mill once ground rice for Kellogg’s Rice Krispies. It is one of the last surviving warehouse complexes in the area.
The Grade II-listed building on the edge of the Baltic Triangle has been empty since 2005, and has had planning permission for residential since 2014. However, previous schemes have not come to fruition and there had been fears whether the building would survive.
Apartments will be a mix of one and two bedrooms. Legacie will also build a 16-storey apartment block on the surrounding land. The project will also include a hotel.
It has partnered with international sales agent, RWinvest, to promote the scheme. It has attracted what it claims is “unprecedented demand”. Investors have already snapped up 80% of the units.
John Morley, founder and chief executive of Legacie Developments, said: “This is going to be another game-changing development from Legacie.
“The site is held in high regard by the people of Liverpool and we have started work on a sensitive redevelopment. It pays tribute to the history of the building but also delivers a modern living complex complete with first-class facilities.
“We are incredibly excited to have started work on this iconic project. It is a significant addition to our portfolio.”
With a nod to the site’s 18th century beginnings, with a museum celebrating its history set to be built in the reception area of the building. The development is expected to complete by summer 2025.
Managing director of RWInvest, Michael Gledhill, added: “Heap’s Mill will be an iconic development, bringing back to life a historic building which has sadly been left derelict.
“Legacie’s sensitive restoration of the mill, together with a state-of-the-art spa and luxury apartments, will help breathe new life into this part of the city centre.”