North west developer Capital&Centric has started the search for a main contractor to transform Liverpool’s historic of the former Littlewoods building into a film and TV campus.
The company is part-way through enabling work on the £60m Littlewoods project to secure the historic buildings and prep the site.
This included demolishing the picnic clock tower because it was at risk of collapse which the developer intends to rebuild.
Now the team is looking to engage with contractors for the main restoration works on the 1930s landmark, which include two new 20,000 sq.ft studios for big budget productions.
Designed by architect Shedkm, the project will open up the site to the public for the first time, with a roof terrace, screening and performance zone, and foodhall.
The planned new sound stages would take around a year to be built and become operational.
The programme for repurposing the existing building is 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.
John Moffat, joint managing director at Capital&Centric, said: “We know what Littlewoods means to people locally and the last few months have been spent carefully clearing out the buildings to get them ready for the main redevelopment work.
“We’ve made good progress so we’re now on the hunt for a contractor to lead the rest of the transformation.
“This is a huge opportunity to get involved in one of the most iconic projects in the North. When it’s finished Liverpool will have a world-class film and TV destination that will cement its place as the Hollywood of the North, creating jobs for decades to come.”
Firms interested should email Martin Crews, development director.
