Plans revealed for huge new Liverpool skyscraper

An planning application is set to be submitted for a new 48-level tower in the heart of Liverpool’s financial district.

If approved the proposed scheme, to be known as Ovatus 2, would create the city’s tallest building.

The Old Hall Street development represents a joint venture between investment firm Prospect Capital and financial advisory business Wilcocks & Wilcocks.

In December last year, the companies submitted plans for the site’s sister project – the £37m, 27-storey Ovatus 1. Subject to planning approval, the developers are hoping to begin construction in April 2017.

The adjacent plot chosen for Ovatus 2 currently houses a data centre operated by online retailer Shop Direct. Developers forecast having to wait until 2018 for the building to become vacant, if planning approval is granted.

Ovatus 2 was designed by Manchester architects Hodder+Partners and comprises 530 apartments.

At 146.6m in height, the skyscraper will be eight storeys taller than the city’s current tallest building, West Tower.

Nick Fillingham of Indigo Planning, which submitted the planning application on behalf of the joint venture partners, said: “Following the submission of the planning application for Ovatus 1 at the end of 2016, work has now commenced on the preparations for the submission of the development’s second, taller tower. Ovatus 2 will make a great addition to the scheme’s current offering.

“Set to become the tallest building in Liverpool, Ovatus 2 will be a landmark development. Its gateway location into the city centre will make it incredibly sought-after and will certainly drive the local area’s residential stock.”

He added: “Demand for high-quality accommodation of this type is growing in Liverpool and together, Ovatus 1 and 2 will fulfil this appetite.”

Wilcocks & Wilcocks boss Martin Wilcocks commented: “This is a highly visible, landmark location that stands at the gateway to Liverpool’s World Heritage site.

“We’re working with a strong team that we know will deliver the build in a way that does justice to its potential.”

He continued: “Hoder+Partners, Indigo Planning, WSP and PlanIt are already doing fantastic jobs at the planning stage and we look forward to working closely with them all to bring the planned addition to the waterfront skyline into reality.”

Craig Blackwell at Prospect Capital said: “Following on from our Ovatus 1 application at the same site in Liverpool we feel that Ovatus 2 not only compliments the original tower but also makes a big statement as to where the market in Liverpool is now moving.

“We will be working with exactly the same team on both towers and are excited to be part of what will be the tallest building in Liverpool.”

He continued: “With the city making huge strides since the 2008 Capital of Culture year this development, which holds key gateway status in Liverpool, not only changes the vista of our world-famous waterfront but is part of the city’s further expansion.”

Ascot Property Investments was chosen as the master agent for off-plan apartment sales at Ovatus 1 and Ovatus 2.

Ascot Property Investments’ Stuart Howard commented: “Following a number of recent successes for Ascot, we are delighted to have been appointed as master agent on such a high profile development.

“The Ovatus towers will take over as Liverpool’s most prestigious development, greeting commuters at the gateway to Liverpool City Centre and boasting stunning views across the skyline.”

He added: “We are preparing for a launch of Ovatus 1 in April/May of this year and have already generated huge interest from both overseas and UK investors.”