Plans have been submitted which could see a former warehouse in Liverpool’s north docks converted into more than 200 apartments.
The proposals, which centre on the Bonded Tea Warehouse on Dickson Street, have been submitted to Liverpool City Council’s planning department by ELG Planning on behalf of County Durham-based property firm Mandale Homes. The intention to submit plans was first made public earlier this year in February.
The Grade II listed structure is in the heart of the post-industrial north docks and situated on the edge of the city centre in Kirkdale. Its original brick structure was built in 1840 by S. K. J. Holme.
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The plans seek to convert the building to 211 apartments, along with external alterations and other works. The development would comprise of 134 one bed, 53 two bed, 10 two bed duplex apartments and 14 three bed apartments which would be laid out over six storeys.
According to a document submitted by the developer, the basement will provide space for uses such as a workspace and gallery area, cycle store and a gym/fitness centre. According to the planning statement, the development will be situated within the north of the “Ten Streets character area” and will “reuse a listed building that is of historical importance to the industrial heritage of Liverpool."
The developer’s statement adds that warehouse would be “sensitively converted” and not harm the character of the Ten Streets area or the Stanley Dock Conservation area. It is noted that the new development would be “sustainably located providing new dwellings that are of high-quality design and provide a high standard of amenity for future occupants and complements existing uses in the locality complements existing uses in the locality.”
When proposals for the development were first revealed earlier this year, local music venue Meraki, also situated on Dickson Street, said it feared for its future should be development be granted permission. Mr Griffin, who has run Meraki for more than five years, launched an online campaign in a bid to preserve the location’s future.
In March, he said: “If this goes ahead, it will mean we have to close because we’ll get noise complaints. I wasn’t shocked, it was just a matter of time before someone applied to go there, it was always going to be the case.”
Mr Griffin said he was concerned the Agent of Change principle - which ensures developers of new residential schemes around existing music and culture venues are responsible for negating noise issues - could be disregarded. In order to mitigate impact on the music venue, the developer has said it will include certain features in its design.
Its planning statement said: "Following our community consultation exercise, we became aware of a nearby music venue known as ‘Meraki’. Whilst the venue historically operated on a temporary basis, it is our understanding that the venue is now operating on a formal basis, following the granting of planning permission.
“As such, to ensure the proposal can operate in tandem with the aforementioned venue and other uses in the vicinity, all the windows on the apartments along the southern elevation will have fixed units that will have enhanced glazing and will be mechanically ventilated which will be situated in the ceiling space between the various floors and will vent via the open-air atrium, in order to discreetly blend in with the development.
“These measures are considered necessary to ensure that a high standard of amenity is afforded for future residents, while being amenable with existing business in the locality.”
No date has been set for the application to go before Liverpool City Council’s planning committee. A decision on the application will be made in due course.
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