Landmark Liverpool site set for £35m boost

Plans to accept more than £35m towards progressing the transformation of a former landfill site that once formed part of Liverpool’s International Garden Festival celebrations in 1984 look set to move forward.The plot has been earmarked for the building of almost 1,500 eco-friendly homes along prime waterfront land on the southern shoreline of the River Mersey.Four major stepping stones were identified for a comprehensive regeneration of the 28-acre site, which has lain dormant for more than 20 years.These are:Submit a planning application for remediation of the Development Zone in December 2019Accept grant funding from Homes EnglandApply for funding from Liverpool City Region Combined Authority to fund remediation and infrastructure worksNegotiate and complete legal agreements with IMGF Developments Ltd to pave the way for a residential planning application for 1,500 homes by the summer of 2020The first four of these was done and due to be signed off last week but a decision has been deferred due to Liverpool’s planning committee only making recommendations during the Covid-19 lockdown.A report concerning the second and third stages is now set to go before the council’s Cabinet on 9 April.Homes England and the Combined Authority have offered grant funding of £9.9m and £18.4m respectively, with the latter agreeing to an additional £8.5m.A total of £36.8m is on offer, with the Combined Authority having approved the full £26.94m at a meeting in March.Cabinet has now been asked to delegate authority to the director of regeneration and economy, the director of finance and resources, and the city solicitor to complete a tripartite grant funding agreement and accept the cash injections from.These would go towards site remediation and infrastructure, allowing the project to progress.While the meeting is not taking place in its traditional manner, the decisions will be made under delegation.