Littlewoods studio developer flags funding concerns

Liverpool City Council granted planning permission for the studio development in 2024. This included two new 20,000ft2 studios for big-budget productions, as well as spaces for offices, workshops, studio support facilities, and an education facility. 

However, developer C&C told The Liverpool Echo this week that the cost of delivering the project in the current climate “exceeds the value of the completed development." 

The art deco Littlewoods building was constructed in 1938 as the headquarters of the football pools empire, but it was vacated more than 30 years ago. 

Tim Heatley, co-founder of C&C told The Liverpool Echo that the social impact developer has entered discussions with the government about potential funding streams. 

Heatley said: "As custodians of the iconic Littlewoods Building, we have made real progress behind the scenes. This includes: securing planning consents; undertaking vital site preparation; carrying out stabilisation and enabling works; and advancing detailed designs that will breathe new life into this much-loved Liverpool landmark. 

"We are now at a pivotal point and ready to begin delivery. However, like many major regeneration projects across the UK, we are facing a viability challenge. The cost of delivering the project in the current climate exceeds the value of the completed development." 

Capital&Centric is working with Liverpool City Council as a site freeholder and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority as project funders. The Combined Authority, led by Mayor Steve Rotheram, has committed up to £17m to the project. 

It is anticipated that the Littlewoods Project will bring around 4,000 full-time equivalent jobs in the region’s creative sector. 

The team behind the Littlewoods Project includes architect shedkm and planners Avison Young. 

A key backer for the planned £450m Crown Works Studios in Sunderland recently withdrew from the project, according to a BBC News report. Discover more here.