£40m Wolstenholme Square revamp given go-ahead

Liverpool City Council has granted planning permission for the transformation of Wolstenholme Square, allowing developer Elliot Group to revamp what it believes is a “tatty and unappealing” part of the city.

The company’s Elliot Lawless said: “I’m delighted with the decision. The development will deliver a huge improvement to what is a tatty and unappealing corner of Ropewalks, animating the streets and bringing new businesses into the area.

“Liverpool council provided clear guidance throughout the process which helped us improve our proposals. They have a very investor-friendly approach which possibly explains why there are so many tower cranes on the skyline right now.”

Some local opposition arose on social media when the scheme was first announced, as it will lead to the closure of the Kazimier bar and gig venue, and the relocation of the nightclub Cream. However, the plans submitted to the council included a new home for Cream and a new venue run by the minds behind the Kazimier.

Elliot Lawless continued: “We can now announce that we will be working with world-renowned sculptor Jorge Pardo to refurbish his popular Penelope installation in the square.

“We’ve also asked him to work with us on elements of our wider landscape design, much as Gaudi did in Barcelona’s Plaça Reial. He can bring something fresh and quirky to things like the street lamps and seating and I’m looking forward to seeing what he comes up with.”

Work on the Wolstenholme Square transformation, with designs from Falconer Chester Hall, will begin in March next year, with the completion of the first phase expected in September 2017.