Littlewoods Project to transform the former Littlewoods Pools building into a world class film and TV campus - Video Interviews

WORK has officially started on the transformation project of the transform the iconic former Littlewoods Pools building, on Edge Lane, into a world class film and TV campus, as the diggers rolled in. This week we got the chance to met the team behind the Littlewoods Project at they called:- "action" at the historic, landmark building. Social impact developers Capital&Centric began the work to prep the 1930s Edge Lane icon for restoration on:- 12 December 2023. The firm is working along side of Liverpool City Council, as freeholder of the site, with Liverpool City Region Combined Authority as the funder.

This is the 1st step to strip out of the buildings and securing their structural integrity, preparing them for repurposing and restoration, following the devastation of the fire back in 2018. Once finished it will pave the way for main contractors to move in, to build 2 brand new 20,000 sq ft studios for big budget film productions. It is all part of a joined up approach to ensure Liverpool remains at the top of the list when Directors and Scouts are making decisions about where to base their productions. From music videos to major blockbusters, the City's streets are rarely off both the small and big screen. Already the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has committed up to £17m to develop called:- 'The Depot' That location adjacent to the Littlewoods building is now home to 2 film and TV studios, that are already in use, and with the development of the 2 larger studios within the former Pools building, it will pave the way to make Liverpool City Region Mayor, Steve Rotheram's vision to turn the area into:- 'Hollywood of the North' a reality.

We joined up with the remediation team on:- 12 December 2023, as the comprehensive work started on site, to take a look at the location and had the opportunity to interview the team behind the project to turn Liverpool's former Littlewoods Pools building.

1 of the team said off camera:- "This 1st phase of work; expected to run until summer 2024, then the hard work starts..."

Did you know? This plan will see the historic location turned into 2 new sound stages, that will take around a year to build and become operational. The programme for repurposing the existing building will take longer due to the complexity of dealing with the existing structures which are set to feature spaces for:- offices, workshops, studio support facilities, and an education facility.

And here I'll stay…Mayor signs contract to build new Mersey Ferry wholly in the Liverpool City Region

THE 1st new Mersey Ferry for more than 60 years will be built entirely within the Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram recently announced.

Following more than a year of detailed negotiations, an agreement has been reached between the Combined Authority and Cammell Laird that will see the new vessel being constructed solely at the firm's Birkenhead shipyard.

The Mayor, who was joined by engineering apprentices as he signed the contract, pledged that the multimillion pound project will:- "guarantee the future of the iconic Ferry:- 'Cross the Mersey for generations to come."

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region said:- "It's always been my ambition to build our new ferry here in the Liverpool City Region, ensuring that we can retain the well-paid jobs and training opportunities it will create for local people. That's why we've taken our time, working in partnership with trade unions, to make sure this doesn't just deliver best value for money; but best value for our residents too. It has taken a Herculean effort to reach this agreement that will bring the 1st new ferry to the Mersey in over 60 years; that's before Gerry and the Pacemakers even recorded the song that would help make them world famous! Hundreds of thousands of people, both from the Region and visitors from further afield, use the Mersey Ferries every year; but the current vessels are more and more difficult to maintain. With this investment we will guarantee the future of the iconic Ferry:- 'Cross the Mersey for generations to come."

As previously announced, the new ferry will be designed to provide passengers with greater comfort, accessibility and an improved experience. There are also plans for upgrade works on 1 of the existing vessels to improve its performance and reliability.

The Combined Authority and Cammell Laird will now work closely to finalise the design and build programme.

Leader of Wirral Council, Cllr Paul Stuart, said:- "Given their extensive maritime legacy and significant contributions to our local economy over the years, the decision to construct the next Mersey Ferry at Cammell Laird is perfect. With Cammell Laird building the new ferry in Birkenhead, we uphold our borough's proud maritime heritage and ensure that the economic benefits of the ferry's construction remain within our community, benefiting our workers, local businesses, and suppliers."

Cammell Laird has a long heritage with the Mersey Ferries, having built 15 of the vessels dating back to 1836 as well as well as helping to maintain the current fleet.

David McGinley, Chief Executive of APCL Group, said:- "We have always been a global business with a local heart, so it's fitting that 2 things which are closely associated with the Mersey; ferries and Cammell Laird; should come together for this latest milestone in the rich maritime heritage of the area. It's a point of pride that we built the last Mersey ferry to enter service and will be doing so again, cementing our place both in the rich history of the Mersey, but equally, in its future too. Our apprentices will be working on this project alongside the rest of our highly skilled workforce, and I know this project is something they'll be equally proud to be involved in."

The building of a new ferry and upgrade works to 1 of the existing vessels are the latest investments made by the Combined Authority as part of its 20 year Mersey Ferries strategy, with others including the multi million pound upgrade works at:- Seacombe Ferry Terminal and funding for the Eureka! Science + Discovery attraction.