The Littlewoods Project,
Liverpool.
Lights. Camera. Action.
The Littlewoods Building is famous for being a boldly unique art deco masterpiece, with almost a kilometre of stucco-faced façade.
It’s been sitting unused for decades under threat of demolition, but now we’re bringing back the glitz & glamour to this 1930s Art Deco beaut. We’re turning it into a world-class media hub with film & TV studios, in partnership with Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Liverpool City Council. It’ll play the leading role in Liverpool’s next episode, transforming the city into the Hollywood of the North.
We’re about to start work to clean up the existing building and prepare the site for construction in 2024. In the meantime, we’ve submitted detailed plans to turn the iconic art deco building into a space not only for the creative industries to work from, but an asset that the whole community can benefit from and be proud of.
The origin story.
Built in 1938, the building is a Liverpool icon with an incredible back story. So many people have a tale to tell about the building, famously home to the Littlewoods Pools - the precursor to the National Lottery. During its heyday, 16 million weekly players radically influenced the nation’s relationship with the beautiful game.
It’s less well known that the building was instrumental in World War II, manufacturing a huge variety of items for the war effort, including 5 million parachutes (it was one of the only buildings big enough to fold them in).
It’s since sat empty for decades, with a 2018 fire threatening its future, which will make it all the sweeter when this iconic building is restored to its former glory.
A worthy sequel.
Liverpool is already a magnet for international productions scouting for diverse filming locations, with the city providing a backdrop for renowned projects from Peaky Blinders and Captain America, to The Batman and Fantastic Beasts.
The Littlewoods Project is set to cement the city region’s reputation on the world’s stage. We’re now working up a detailed planning application to submit to Liverpool City Council showing how we plan to restore and re-use the existing building and neighbouring land.
When complete, the £70 million project will create thousands of jobs in the creative industries and new opportunities for generations to come.
The existing building features three distinct sections – the east and west wing, which are separated by the Hangar, a 1960s addition. Our proposals incorporate the existing building as well as the neighbouring land, with the Littlewoods Project set to feature:
Space in the West Wing for uses such as offices for creative businesses or an education facility, as well as the incorporation of roof terraces with city views.
Workspaces in the East Wing, as well as workshops and studio support facilities.
The plan.
Two new build 20,000 sq.ft studios, providing space for indoor sound stages for big budget productions.
A screening and performance space – open to the public - with an existing hanger to feature five cinema screens, a performance space and a foodhall
A lush, green courtyard where the community can hang out and spend time
Loads of greenery and new landscaping that will pay homage to local screen stars of the past, as well as a direct public link between the site and Wavertree park
Reinstating of the clock on the iconic tower
Call first dibs.
Get in touch if you’re wanting to bag some space at The Littlewoods Project
Littlewoods Film & Food Fest.
We threw a big party to meet our neighbours and share plans for The Littlewoods Project. We took over an empty film studio and transformed it into a buzzing party with films, food, beats & treats. Nearly 600 people came down and £2,000 was raised for Unity Youth and Community Centre.
The location.
If you’re looking for it, you can’t miss it. In fact more than 17 million people drive right past the front door of the Littlewoods Building every year. The Littlewoods Project is on Edge Lane, the main road into Liverpool, just 10 mins drive from the city centre and close to two local rail stations.
It’s also just off the motorway network, making it ideal for large scale logistics for big film & TV projects. Basically it’s great to get to, and from!
The Littlewoods Project
Edge Lane,
Liverpool,
L7 9LH