Former Littlewoods Building Transformed into a £70M Film Studio: A Government-Backed Project
The iconic Littlewoods building on Edge Lane in Liverpool is set to undergo a remarkable transformation, with plans to convert it into a state-of-the-art £70 million television and film production studio. This ambitious project, which began in December 2023, has already attracted significant interest and support from various stakeholders.
The remediation work is well underway, and planning permission for the construction process was granted in October 2024. However, the project still requires substantial funding, with millions of pounds needed to bring the vision to life. The Liverpool City Council Leader, Liam Robinson, is confident that the government will provide the necessary backing.
In February, talks will take place with ministers to secure their support. Robinson stated, 'We're finalising the arrangements and have been invited to present our plans to the government. There's a lot of national interest in this project, and we have great stakeholders who are committed to its success.'
The project has gained momentum with the involvement of Jimmy Mulville, a Liverpool-born television producer, who is working with Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram and industry experts to include an education hub at the site. Additionally, developer Capital & Centric (C&C) has been in discussions with ministers to explore potential government funding options.
However, C&C's co-founder, Tim Heatley, warned that the current climate makes the project's cost exceed the value of the completed development. The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, which has committed up to £17 million, has pledged to work with the government, city council, and C&C to secure the required funding.
This project has the potential to become a significant cultural and economic hub for the region, attracting talent and investment. As the plans progress, the city of Liverpool will be watching with anticipation, eager to see this iconic building transformed into a world-class film studio.
Stay tuned for further updates on this exciting development, and don't forget to follow BBC Merseyside for the latest news and discussions on this and other local stories.
