Liverpool masterplan to resurrect ‘sleeping giant’ docklands area as digital and creative zone

A run-down part of Liverpool’s extensive docklands area could become one of the region’s most important hubs for artistic, creative and digital businesses.

Liverpool City Council is looking to create a Cultural Enterprise Industry Hub to neighbour and complement the development of Peel Group’s multi-billion pound Liverpool Waters project, as well as developer Harcourt’s investments at the Titanic Hotel and Rum Warehouse Conference Centre.

A recommendation will go to the city council’s cabinet today (October 14) to approve the Atlantic Corridor Development Framework – a new vision aiming to revolutionise Liverpool’s north docklands area.

The phase one of the the framework has identified a 27-acre zone called Ten Streets that, according to the council, features many warehouses and dockside buildings suitable for conversion and low rents to attract firms from the digital and creative sectors.

The council report identifies huge potential for growth. Developments within the Atlantic Corridor boundary have already received £260m in investment since January 2012. Further, developments worth £52m are currently in progress and £130m-worth are either seeking planning consent or have already secured the greenlight.

Image: An aerial view of the Atlantic Corridor

The Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, said: “Liverpool’s Atlantic Corridor has the potential to become one of the jewels in the north of England’s economy.

“It’s been a sleeping giant for far too long and now thanks to work with partners such as Peel and Harcourt we have for the first time in generations a plan to resurrect its fortunes.”

He continued: ’’In many ways the warehouses that fell silent with the changes in the docks fortunes are now its greatest asset as they are the perfect spaces for startups and emerging businesses in the digital and creative sector.

“There is much work to be done in establishing the ‘Ten Streets’ as a brand and location, but the vision is there, the support is there from the city council and, crucially, the private sector to deliver something very special.’’

The council’s Ten Streets ambition will be captured in an emerging masterplan that will outline proposals to blend historic buildings with new schemes, stimulate new investment, attract business and create jobs.

Ten Streets runs parallel to the A565, which is undergoing a £35m improvement programme in anticipation of the the new £400m Liverpool2 deepwater container terminal.