Post by Kev on Aug 25, 2004 5:24:29 GMT -5
THE former Merseyside Fire Brigade headquarters is to be converted into luxury city centre apartments after Liverpool City Council gave plans the go-ahead yesterday.
Downing Developments plans to convert the Grade II-listed former fire station in Hatton Garden as well as demolishing the neighbouring buildings to provide space to construct more apartments.
In total, there will be 143 flats plus space for shops and offices. The Gales Building will be flattened.
The decision had been delayed because planners wanted to visit the site, which will also have an entrance on Cheapside.
Three levels of underground parking with 131 spaces will ensure many residents can park their cars.
Director of Downing Developers Ann Lodge welcomed the decision by the city's planning committee.
She said: "This is an important location in Liverpool and will be one of the most exciting new developments for many years.
"Liverpool is increasingly at the cutting edge of design and our plans for Hatton Garden will enhance the regeneration of the city.
"As well as 143 luxury apartments, the site will also see commercial activity brought back into the area while the public open space will include a direct pedestrian link between Hatton Garden and Cheapside."
The site is located in the Castle Street conservation area and within the boundaries of the World Heritage Site.
Plans feature a teardrop shaped
building, enveloped in glass with the construction of two new towers.
As well as 12 and 10 storeys of residential accommodation in each tower, the development will also include landscaped open space.
Planning permission was originally refused in March 2003, because of the size of the development and the possibility of flats overlooking penthouses.
Amendments have been made to the original scheme - like opaque screens being included in the plans to satisfy some of the objections.
Planners approved the project yesterday on condition that these changes were observed and that appropriate investigations are made into whether the site contains any contamination like asbestos.
The former fire station will house 22 apartments, the 12-storey tower will have 58 flats and the 10-storey tower will accommodate 63 flats.
Downing Developments plans to convert the Grade II-listed former fire station in Hatton Garden as well as demolishing the neighbouring buildings to provide space to construct more apartments.
In total, there will be 143 flats plus space for shops and offices. The Gales Building will be flattened.
The decision had been delayed because planners wanted to visit the site, which will also have an entrance on Cheapside.
Three levels of underground parking with 131 spaces will ensure many residents can park their cars.
Director of Downing Developers Ann Lodge welcomed the decision by the city's planning committee.
She said: "This is an important location in Liverpool and will be one of the most exciting new developments for many years.
"Liverpool is increasingly at the cutting edge of design and our plans for Hatton Garden will enhance the regeneration of the city.
"As well as 143 luxury apartments, the site will also see commercial activity brought back into the area while the public open space will include a direct pedestrian link between Hatton Garden and Cheapside."
The site is located in the Castle Street conservation area and within the boundaries of the World Heritage Site.
Plans feature a teardrop shaped
building, enveloped in glass with the construction of two new towers.
As well as 12 and 10 storeys of residential accommodation in each tower, the development will also include landscaped open space.
Planning permission was originally refused in March 2003, because of the size of the development and the possibility of flats overlooking penthouses.
Amendments have been made to the original scheme - like opaque screens being included in the plans to satisfy some of the objections.
Planners approved the project yesterday on condition that these changes were observed and that appropriate investigations are made into whether the site contains any contamination like asbestos.
The former fire station will house 22 apartments, the 12-storey tower will have 58 flats and the 10-storey tower will accommodate 63 flats.
