Plans to transform Liverpool’s Littlewoods site has received a major boost.
Work began on converting the former retail giants’ Wavertree headquarters into a TV and film studio complex in 2023 with costs forecast to stand at £70 million.
Chancellor John Healy announced in his first Budget on Wednesday (October 28) that the former landmark is among projects that will receive additional funding.
Under the government’s Growth Misson Fund, the Littlewoods project will receive £20M for the 260,000 sq ft development that will see the original building preserved.
Work is planned to start on site in spring 2027 to install infrastructure and carry out initial works on the existing building under the vision for Liverpool Creative Campus.
Around 630 permanent jobs are set to be created with an estimated £56M a year set to be raised for the local economy once the site is fully operational.
Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram said: “We’ve never been short of creative talent in our part of the world.
“From music and film to gaming and digital technology, we’ve got people and businesses doing incredible things – and I want to make sure more of the jobs and opportunities that come with that success stay right here in our region.
“Littlewoods is an iconic part of Liverpool’s history but we’d love to see it playing a part in our future too.
“This funding is a welcome step forward for a project with the potential to build on our strengths and create more good jobs and opportunities for local people.”