The Lime Street building site has been described as the beginning of a wider initiative for Liverpool’s Knowledge Quarter, according to builders, ISG.
The controversial project was met with strong opposition from campaigners vying to keep the old Futurist cinema standing, but had their appeals thrown out by judges in August.
Since then, the old buildings have been demolished to make way for a Premier Inn hotel and shopping complex, which will begin construction in January 2017.
The frontage of the site will be finished with perforated aluminium panels, that is said to reflect the history of the Futurist.
ISG Regional Managing Director, Andy McLinden, believes that the Lime Street project is just the start of a number of transformations in the area.
He told JMU Journalism: “This completion date for the buildings will be the summer of 2018. This project is just the catalyst to kick off the Knowledge Quarter masterplan.”
The remaining debris at the grounds will be cleared before Christmas, making room for a number of buildings, including student accommodation block that will be 10 storeys high, housing more than 400 students from September 2018 onwards.
Katie Bentley, Head of Communications for developers Neptune, detailed several of the company’s plans to revitalise the area, beginning with the Futurist site.
She told JMU Journalism: “The next phase of the development will be the former ABC cinema in Lime Street, which is to be converted into a music venue with sound stage and studios.
“The next major phase is proposed to be the redevelopment of the Mount Pleasant Car Park and 051 building on Brownlow Hill and Mount Pleasant. This will have a major impact on the gateway to the Knowledge Quarter.”
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