Liverpool’s Iconic Littlewoods Building Set to Become “Hollywood of the North”
Politicians and developers are confident that funding will be secured to transform Liverpool’s historic Littlewoods building into a state-of-the-art film studio complex dubbed “the Hollywood of the North.” With a total commitment of £17m, the development will be delivered in phases, bringing new life to the iconic art deco-style building.
The Littlewoods building, once the headquarters of the Littlewoods Football Pools in the 1930s, closed its doors in 1994. However, plans are underway to revitalize the site and create a hub for the film industry in the region.
Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram expressed his support for the project, highlighting the potential to create 3,000 jobs and boost the Merseyside economy. The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has already invested £8m in the first phase of the project, focusing on remediation and site clearance to ensure the building’s safety.
Despite challenges such as a recent fire that ravaged the building and the removal of its distinctive clock tower due to instability, developers remain optimistic about the project’s future. A replica of the tower will be included in the final design, preserving the building’s iconic features.
With plans to seek additional funding from the government, developers aim to complete the studios by 2027. A planning application for the project will be considered by Liverpool council’s planning committee later this year, paving the way for a new chapter in the building’s storied history.
As joint managing director John Moffatt noted, the project represents a transformative opportunity for the city: “We are on the cusp of something truly transformational for the city.” Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development as it unfolds.
