Area already has a reputation as a multi-cultural retail centre and CanCo’s plan will add a quirky new feature into the mix with local entrepreneurs being given first dibs on the 14 units. Tony McDonough reports

Developer CanCo has secured planning consent for a “funky, urban development” that will see shipping containers being used as retail units in South Liverpool.

Lodge Lane already has a reputation as a bustling, multi-cultural retail centre and CanCo’s plan will add a quirky new feature into the mix with local entrepreneurs being given first dibs on the 14 units.

Taking its lead from similar schemes in London’s Shoreditch and Brixton, the scheme will see refurbished, insulated shipping containers to provide 150 sq ft units with glazed frontages.

The units will be laid out around a landscaped central courtyard on a site bounded by Lodge Lane and Grierson Street, with containers painted different colours and some stacked two high to offer a striking, modern frontage.

On Tuesday council planners gave the project the green light and CanCo director Nathan Schreiber said: “Lodge Lane has a great vibe created by a unique mix of local retailers and we want our scheme to add to the buzz. 

“Our focus will be on providing low-cost, easy-in, easy-out space for local and city-wide entrepreneurs whilst extending Lodge Lane’s prime pitch northwards.  We’ve had some great input from local councillors and want to thank them for being so constructive.”

When it first unveiled the idea in April the company said it would target a mix of retailers and other businesses and will offer easy-in, easy-out terms to help reduce the risks associated with establishing a new enterprise.

Mr Schreiber said at the time: “We want to provide an environment where retailers can test new concepts and products.  These are difficult times for the high street but with the right focus on place-making and meeting local needs we know places like Lodge Lane can continue to thrive.”