Liverpool will become home to a brand new ‘Fabric District’, with an industrial estate set to be looking a lot different in future.
Local business owners are pulling together to turn the area between London Road and Islington into a vibrant new region, hoping to rival the likes of the Baltic Triangle and Bold Street.
The district gets its name from its colourful fashion and textile history. Nearby businesses include Britain’s biggest maker of police hats and ‘My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding’ dressmaker, Thelma Madine.
Stafford Street, famous for its haberdashery superstore, Abakahan, is set to become part of the project, with new cafes and small outlets.
Tucked behind T J Hughes and B&M, Gildart Street and Kempston Street will be at the heart of the area, with proposed new venues, restaurants and several housing schemes.
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A specially-designed ‘colour palette’ aims to spruce up the estate’s facades, whilst remaining in keeping with the original architecture. New signage and public/green spaces will also be created, in the hope of making the area more welcoming.
The project aims to expand the city centre, connecting it to districts such as Everton.
Jason Abbott is one of those involved, turning a building owned by his family into a creative hub. He said: “We believe the benefits to the city will be big.
“As we create a new additional district, we are working with Baltic Creative and LJMU to form the creative diamond of clusters.”
Plans are in place to demolish the second T J Hughes building on the corner of Stafford Street and London Road, which will be replaced by apartments and shop units.
Volunteers, such as Professor John Hyatt and Suzy and Richard Jenions, have been a driving force for the Project alongside Mr Abbott.