Liverpool Council Approves 28-Storey Tower to Launch £1bn King Edward Regeneration
Liverpool Council's planning committee has given the green light to a 28-storey residential tower, a pivotal first step in the ambitious £1bn King Edward regeneration project on the edge of the city centre. The scheme, which will create over 250 new one and two-bedroom apartments, is set to transform a derelict brownfield site into a high-rise landmark, marking a significant milestone in Liverpool's urban renewal efforts.
Development Details and Key Players
The tower is being brought forward by Davos Property Developments Limited in partnership with Beetham Davos Ltd, with Beetham collaborating with KEIE, part of the TJ Morris group that owns Home Bargains. This consortium purchased the former King Edward industrial estate on Gibraltar Row specifically for this high-rise development. Designed by Brock Carmichael, the building will feature 255 apartments, along with a residents' lounge, gym, workspace on the first floor, and two indoor lounges plus a large outdoor barbecue area on the top floor.
Councillor Nick Small, Liverpool Council's cabinet member for growth and economy, hailed the approval as a "huge step forward" for the city's regeneration journey. He emphasized that the King Edward Triangle represents a once in a generation opportunity to reshape an underused waterfront area, bringing new homes, jobs, and activity to a part of Liverpool long primed for renewal.
Controversies and Council Concerns
Despite the approval, the scheme faced criticism from some councillors who identified policy clashes and harms. Councillor Pat Moloney attempted to block the development, arguing it was "reckless" to provide only 21 parking spaces, eight of which are for electric vehicles, and expressing disbelief that the scheme could not contribute under section 106 agreements. Councillor Billy Lake voiced strong objections, calling the tower "the daddy of them all" in terms of bland design, citing issues with rooms lacking natural light and its prominent visibility from as far as the Isle of Man.
Planning officers acknowledged these concerns but concluded that the public benefits outweighed the harms, including the lack of affordable housing provision. This assessment ultimately led to the scheme's passage, with the committee recognizing its potential to regenerate a derelict site and attract investment.
Broader Context and Future Impact
The King Edward project is part of the larger Liverpool Waters scheme, a long-term initiative by Peel Waters to revitalize the city's post-industrial northern docklands. The full development will comprise over 1,000 apartments across five neighbourhoods: Central Docks, Clarence Docks, Princes Dock, Northern Docks, and the King Edward Triangle. The site stretches from the northern edge of Liverpool city centre to Bramley-Moore Dock, home to Everton FC's new Hill Dickinson stadium.
Following the approval, Hugh Frost of Beetham Davos expressed enthusiasm, stating, "It feels like we've pushed a big green button marked go." He thanked the city council for their support and confirmed that the tower is fully funded by project shareholders, with plans to move forward rapidly. This development not only aims to provide effective use of brownfield land but also signals continued investor confidence in Liverpool's future growth and regeneration prospects.
