February 11 2005

Ian Simpson Architects’ plans to build Liverpool’s tallest tower at Brunswick Quay have been thwarted, with the news that Liverpool City Council has refused planning permission for the scheme. Reasons for rejection include the fact that the site falls outside the three development control ‘zones’ of tall buildings that the council has put forward in its tall buildings policy, and fears that the 64 businesses at Brunswick Quay might shed jobs. The land had also been earmarked for business, rather than residential use.

Simpson’s 51 storey tower for developers Maro, would have consisted of apartments, a hotel, shops and work units. Maro has confirmed that it will appeal over the decsion.

“You can take a horse to water” said Simpson in response to the news. “I think Liverpool is underserved by the people in authority. Paradise Street is just block filling, more of the same. You need ordinary buildings like this, but you also need other kinds of buildings. The problem is that they don’t want our scheme there for all sorts of reasons. They don’t believe that tall residential buildings should be located on this site. I think it can be justified both architecturally and socially.”

Simpson went on to say: “Liverpool doesn’t seem to believe in market led regeneration. They put a red line around an area and say, ‘this is where we want regeneration to happen’. Manchester has demonstrated that you have to take the opportunities and make it work. If someone wants to bring £80million of investment and jobs to the city you shouldn’t just turn it down.”

“The decision is a slap in the face to the commercial sector. It smacks of the old Liverpool. It is just one example of the city’s negative approach to regeneration - it can deter investment sending out the message that investors are not welcome. Liverpool is the Marks and Spencer of cities,” said Simpson, in reference to the current problems facing the M&S retail business.

Meanwhile, the Beetham Organisation’s plans for a 40 story skyscraper designed by Aedas at the junction of Brook Street and King Edward Street, less than a quarter of a mile from Beetham’s first tower at the northern end of Old Hall Street, have also been rejected. The council’s reason for refusing permission in this case was “that the proposal would be detrimental to residential and other occupiers’ amenity and to highway safety and amenity.”

Post your comments

Your name (required)
Your email (not displayed)
Comments (required)
	All comments are pre-moderated and must obey our house rules.