Developer wants to make amendments as transformational scheme moves forwardHow the new office and park development at Pall Mall could look(Image: Liverpool ECHO)There are plans to alter a multi-million pound flagship office and garden complex set to be built in Liverpool city centre. The Pall Mall scheme is set to be developed on land off Bixteth Street in the city’s business district.The council-owned site was remediated in 2020 and a masterplan for new Grade A office buildings and a hotel were approved. But the plans stalled and the area has been fenced off ever since.But with new funding secured last year, it is hoped that the development – led by Kier Property Developments Ltd – could see its first phase, including an eight-storey office and an urban park – completed by 2028.The scheme received a further boost last month when it was announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves that the government would be backing the plans – which would see the first Grade A offices built in Liverpool in 15 years – with cash to help bring it to life.As the plans progress, Kier has now submitted a new application to the city council to make some changes to the scheme.The application is for what is known as a ‘non-material amendment’ to its existing planning permission for the development site.The application seeks to amend some of the approved designs of the scheme. They say the changes are required to make sure the final design is compliant with building and fire safety and to respond to changes in the market that have occurred since the original approval of the application back in 2019.As well as some specific design changes, other alterations would see the number of car parking spaces at the scheme reduce from 24 to 20.How the new office and park development at Pall Mall could lookIn terms of the redesign, the new application would seek to reconfigure the main entrance and lobby of the development, with the primary access now being from Bixteth Walk and secondary access from the gardens area. The planned roof terrace will be relocated from level 7 of the complex to level 8.The application statement insists that the planned amendments will not materially affect the site’s external appearance or elevations, with views onto the site from nearby unaffected.A statement reads: “The architectural character and quality of the scheme will be maintained with the changes to the scheme, and the viability and deliverability of the scheme will be significantly improved, having responded to changes in the market that have occurred since the COVID-19 pandemic.”Pall Mall Liverpool is widely recognised as a catalyst project for Liverpool’s growth, playing a critical role in the expansion of the city’s Commercial Business District (CBD).The project is being delivered in partnership with Liverpool City Council, supported by grant funding, and according to the council, it underlines its commitment to unlocking ‘strategically important regeneration’ and driving economic growth in the city centre.Speaking in March, Cllr Nick Small, Cabinet Member for Growth and Economy at Liverpool City Council said: “The progress at Pall Mall Gardens demonstrates our commitment to creating a city centre that works for modern businesses and supports long-term economic growth.“By investing in high quality, sustainable office space, we are strengthening Liverpool’s commercial offer and creating the conditions that more companies look for when deciding where to invest, locate and grow.“This development is a key part of our ambition to build a competitive, future focused city that attracts new employers, creates high value jobs and delivers lasting benefits for residents.”
Changes planned for Liverpool city centre office and park project
