Hi.

I’ve been lurking around for a while and thought it was about tine that I contributed a bit.

So here goes.

Apart from the cinema and TJ Hughes I very rarely go to London Road..

And this got me thinking that with Odeon announcing that they will be opening a new cinema as part of the paradise street project, what will happen to the old site surely there is no need for the 2 sites in the city centre.

Also could it be possible for TJ's to take over the John Lewis site when that becomes available.

This could then be a very good opportunity to restructure the London Road area.

Here are a few quick thoughts on what could be developed there..

1. A purpose built market

2. A tree lined avenue with small furniture and home improvement shops leading upto the site of the old hitchens store where maybe liverpools own Big wheel could sit.

3. Or on the same site maybe a tower with public plaza and outdoor seating.

That do you think?

London Rd is a fascinating area. one time Liverpool's garment district and the heart of a huge population. I would love to see this area fulfill it's potential to downtown's wider revival... and it may at last be allowed to.

there are major plans for the area behind TJ's, the art deco Co-Op over to islington that we should all do what we can to see it is as intensively developed as possible.

Many buildings that have lain empty for decades are being restored and there are new schemes as well.. not least the expansion of the internationally significant School of Tropical medicine.

I like your ideas, though the 'theming' of the type of commerce that should go therre should be avoided, the development company in charge of that district tried that in the 90s'.... and it failed, they are also responsible for lots of the tat up there, like the student accommodation opposite TJs'.

Nice thread though... good idea.

Welcome to SSC

London Road is crying out for redevelopment and the market is a great idea, and I've mentioned before the old Co-Op building might be the place that Quiggins are looking for.

Just one thing missing, it needs the trams! they would be the key ingredient that would bring London Rd. back onto peoples radar when in town.

i would love to see both the heritage and st johns market moved into this area would i wouldnt move tjs anywhere though.. i think its the only thing that has kept this part of town alive and deserves to be part of any changes made to the area

TJ HUGHES IN CHURCH STREET?????? Hold on a minute while I puke!!! It's not fucking Bootle Love!!!!

my other half used to work in Prescott street's Starbucks so I'm well aquainted with Londn Road. I think, while there's always students and the hospital it will always be a busy place. It is a perfect area for independant shops - something a little more 'studenty' - record shops, second hand book shops that kind of thing. I see places like that sort of starting up on Stafford street but it's an area needs encoruagment.

I do remember reading that there are plans to do a lot of work to the Islington area, just can't remember where I saw that.

my other half used to work in Prescott street's Starbucks so I'm well aquainted with Londn Road. I think, while there's always students and the hospital it will always be a busy place. It is a perfect area for independant shops - something a little more 'studenty' - record shops, second hand book shops that kind of thing. I see places like that sort of starting up on Stafford street but it's an area needs encoruagment.

I do remember reading that there are plans to do a lot of work to the Islington area, just can't remember where I saw that.

I`m pretty sure it was an article in the `Echo` Wormella.

Something like £100m if I remember correctly - also Liverpool Vision did have a large amount of information on it`s walls but the last time I was in their two weeks ago it had been taken town.

In fact only the model of `Lime Street Gateway` was still there.

Very disappointing as it was `Down Town` week, even the KD`s model had gone awol and the interactive audio visual displays weren`t working either as their was no internet link.

Overall a very poor advert for `Liverpool Vision` on that occasion.

Nevertheless the `London Road` area is coming on leaps and bounds and it is excellent news the `Royal Liverpool Teaching Hospital` is staying put.

Once a few more developments kick in plus the `Islington` redevelopments then maybe that end of town will start to reconnect with the rest of the inner city that was hacked away so shamelessly in the 60s, 70s and 80s.

Karaoke in The Dart (behind the Co-op warehouse) is one of Liverpool's finest under-rated cultural experiences. Blimey, what a hole. What a place.

TJs is fantastic, and Stafford Street is good too, although not as lively as I remember it as a boy in the 80s. There is a cracking cafe there.

These streets were home to Liverpool's first major wave of Jewish immigrants - I hope any redevelopment can reflect this.

Been taking a few snaps down London Road recently, a lot of development going on, here's a few snipits.


http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/4848/imgp1910ag9.jpg


http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/9561/imgp1909co3.jpg


http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/7061/imgp1903dv6.jpg


http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/4884/imgp1905lk0.jpg


http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/6764/imgp1904gf0.jpg


http://img399.imageshack.us/img399/630/imgp2032is6.jpg


http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/9530/imgp2031ra1.jpg


Still some work to be done in a number of places
http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/3199/imgp2033an9.jpg

But things are looking up - gonna be a great view when the school of tropical medicine is finished!
http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/9309/imgp2034vo8.jpg

Excellent shots, Tom. London Road has been pretty dire for a long time but it has real potential to be a lively area of downtown. It's unpleasant walking around there after dark at the moment, with all the drunks and addicts but with a bit more developement, in the form of appartments, bars and retail, it should improve considerably.

I know what you mean Gareth, the clientel leaves something to be desired, but this should, in theory, be a thriving, lively student-populated area of the city - especially when you consider the proximity of the University's and a fair number of student halls.

Anyway, that West tower gets everywhere, view from the top of London Road

http://img272.imageshack.us/img272/1513/imgp2035ff7.jpg

Evem the yellow/white haired lady is looking between the 2 busses just to catch a glimpse

Marvellous. West Tower will look excellent from that angle, which is how I first see downtown, as living in West Derby, I approach it from the east.

It's certainly filling all sorts of sky-gaps around the city!

On the virgin train coming into lime street from london euston you can see the 2 cathedrals, st johns tower and beetham! Noticed it b4 on the way back from london

London road is to become a major residential area.....student and private accomodation, from 5-8 storey buildings primarily. There is to be environmental works and the introduction of multistorey parking to the area to increase density. The area to the rear of TJ's stretching from MIDLANDS former bank building (now a John Moores property) and then running straight along insligton to the Royal Hospital is to be redeveloped under a masterplan which is in planning at the moment.

There is already the beginnings of this strategy for London Road under construction/complete at the moment. With the rebuilt Hospital, and, hopefully and restructure of the islington Road route layout, it may be possible for this area to expand and become a useful piece of the jigsaw in sewing the everton/scotland road/Kensington areas back onto the city.....something which is in dire need and is hindering the areas recovery! :bash:

I like the way the new atrium building mirrors the co-op building on the other side. I can't believe that the co-op building is just student bed sits though, very cheap and tacky. I think the problem with Lonodn Rd is basically the Alliance Pharmacy, which dispenses hundreds and hundreds of methadone prescriptions for the 'smack heads' that hang round in the area.

The school of tropical medicine and more students and proffesionals moving should give the area a boost however.

What is the building in scaffolding, with the extension going to be??

I think the problem with Lonodn Rd is basically the Alliance Pharmacy, which dispenses hundreds and hundreds of methadone prescriptions for the 'smack heads' that hang round in the area.

Indeed. It's an attraction for agressive beggars/muggers and the likes. The Royal doesn't help in that respect either, as I've seen a few loonies wandering the area in NHS bed clothes.

Maybe the question is why you hang around `London Road` Gareth.....:lol:

If you watch `Hollyoaks - In the City`, Channel 4, Series 1 and E4+1 for Series 2, you`ll find a much better class of Scally.....

Some very interesting scenes shot around the City and it`s obvious that they are playing up a revitalised downtown etc.

`Trauma` (BBC1) is currently based in Liverpool and the `Liverpool Royal`.....

Maybe the question is why you hang around `London Road` Gareth.....:lol:

If you must know, I had a friend who had an apartment just off there. Since he moved away, I positively avoid the area in the evening.

Sadly London Road has been a bit of a dodgy place at night (if not also in the day time) since the 1960`s.

The only real hope is to cram it full of people and squash out the undesirables, although where I`ll go next I have no idea. :ohno:

Had to ressurect an old thread to find somewhere to put these photos, but thought I'd share the progress on the new development which is happening behind the old community arts building on the corner of London Road

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/9192/img4714eu8.jpg



http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/1250/img4715qh6.jpg



http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/4161/img4717xe9.jpg



http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/8784/img4718mv4.jpg

Oh and I couldn't resist adding this one, one of my favorite buildings...

Currently criminally underused (very cheap and nasty bedsits) I reckon I should email this photo to Urban Splash.. imagine this as a Boutique hotel with a funky independant high-end shopping mall on the ground floor... erm.. right opposite Lidl!

http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/5200/img4716kl2.jpg

Great shots Tom.

I'm glad that terrace is coming back to life, looks great now it is being done up and recieving an extension, used to get my hair cut there. The ground floor of the Coop building needs some activity.

Did you notice the new build further up London Rd where the Falklander pub was.

Great stuff Tom. Anone know where we're at with the Islington developments

great pics tom

thought for ages that building has a lot of potential

From the Echo -

Fears for cinema

Oct 3 2008 by Mary Murtagh, Liverpool Echo

A MUCH-LOVED city centre cinema which closed this week after 74 years is set to be mothballed.

The Odeon in London Road played host to the Beatles and the Rolling Stones during the swinging 60s, but shut for good on Tuesday.

It was replaced by a brand-new 14-screen Odeon complex in Liverpool One.

Odeon Cinemas has sold the landmark building but today declined to comment on its future use.

Wayne Colquhoun, of the Liverpool Preservation Trust, said action must be taken in the next few months to safeguard the cinema’s future and prevent the city end of London Road becoming more rundown.

He said: “I am very sorry to hear the Odeon in London Road has gone. I have fond childhood memories of going there and other picturehouses around when it was a hive of activity.

“Buildings like this deteriorate from within and the next couple of months, once it is empty, will be crucial.

“A new use should be found for the building and hopefully it will not go the same way as the ABC cinema.”

A spokesman said: “We would like to thank all the guests who have visited the London Road cinema over the years and look forward to welcoming them to the Odeon in Liverpool One.”

The Odeon opened for business on October 15, 1934.

The Beatles played there on December 8, 1963 and the following year it hosted the northern premiere of the Fab Four’s first film, A Hard Day's Night.

The aim is to redeploy London Road staff to the new cinema with no redundancies.

From here - http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2008/10/03/fears-for-cinema-100252-21955051/

Just as an aside, does it speak volumes about the lack of activity in regenerating the London Road area, that each time this thread is dragged back from the archives, nearly a year has passed by?

This Wayne fella needs to move back to 1974. Seriously I don't see any use in the Odeon anymore. I think the new one serves the city centre well enough as well as FACT.

The building on London Road isn't the best in the world. They should demolish it and build something modern like offices/retail etc that will be full of people to give the area some life. I thought the two buildings at the top of london road would have kick-started regeneration in the area but they haven't done much really.

I look forward to seeing what the new use of the building turns out to be!

The main problem with London Road are the rows of semi derelict buildings on the left hand side looking up. I don't know why the former Odeon can't be used as a performance space until a better use is found for the site - probably health and safety issues.

Assuming that another cinema chain doesn't come in and continue operations, and another suitable usage can't be found, I think demolition could become a very real possibility. That will probably cause some to recoil in horror, but while the building undoubtedly has some level of historic value, I think this has been very much undermined over the years. From a single auditorium venue, to a 10-screen multiplex, the interior of the building has been altered considerably over the years.

From the Cinema Treasures site -

The cinema was decorated in 1930's Art Deco style with unusual metal grilles either side of the proscenium arch topped by drapes. Lighting was entirely indirect. It was taken over by Odeon in 1942 and almost immediately renamed.

The decorative features were entirely destroyed in 1968 when the stalls and balcony were separated to form two individual cinemas seating 989 in screen 1 (the extended balcony) and well over 1,000 in the huge stalls (screen 2). Odeons 3 and 4 were created by sub-dividing screen 2 in 1973 with the front portion retaining 595 seats and the new auditoria at the rear containing 167 seats each. A large bar in the former circle foyer was in 1979 converted to Odeon 5 with 148 seats.

In Autumn 1999, the building was further subdivided when additional screens were divided out of screens 1 & 2 and an additional 180 seat screen was added on what had been the former stage.

From here - http://cinematreasures.org/theater/6520/ (Good site BTW, definately worth a look around).


As such, if plans were put forward to demolish the building, I fear that those opposed to it on heritage grounds may find their arguments are very quickly dismissed.

Personally I don't know how I feel about the future of a building, assuming a new operator/usage can't be found. Should we keep it? Perhaps? But should we just allow it to lie empty for years just because it may once have had, and arguably may still have a little historic merit? That's a decision our planners may have to address one day soon.

In its Paramount days it had a better frontage. I'm assuming that it's still largely there under the current wrap but don't know.

My first rule of thumb is - don't knock something down until you have something to replace it with.

My second rule of thumb is - don't let it become derelict because it will drag everything else down with it.

Ideally I would like it to become some sort of arts/performance centre combined with studio space for people interested in making film/video, whatever. This could be done quite cheaply I guess.

I wouldn't have any objection to knocking it down if a better use can be found for the site.

Maybe the one of the universities could take it over as lecture theatres / student union space.

I remember visiting that cinema a few times about 10-12 years ago and being asbolustely staggered by the size of two, particularly one, of the auditoria. It was massive; the largest I have ever visited. I remember being there early afternoon one Saturday and there seeming to be vast distances between myself and the nearest person.

Oh well.

I don't see why this couldn't, in some way, be linked by an extension (possibly an underground one) to the Empire Theatre, creating a very large extension for performance purposes. The seating and stages are already in place in some cases. Perhaps it could also be used for educational purposes, such as an art school. This would be a fitting addition to the city's so-called 'cultural' quarter.

On the other hand, I wouldn't be opposed to demolition and replacement with student accommodation, offices and cafes.

Last night at The Odeon London Rd on here ..<<<<... (http://liverpooldays.com/photo/index.php)

My first rule of thumb is - don't knock something down until you have something BETTER to replace it with.

My second rule of thumb is - don't let it become derelict because it will drag everything else down with it.

Ideally I would like it to become some sort of arts/performance centre combined with studio space for people interested in making film/video, whatever. This could be done quite cheaply I guess.

I wouldn't have any objection to knocking it down if a better use can be found for the site.

good points

Last night at The Odeon London Rd on here ..<<<<... (http://liverpooldays.com/photo/index.php)


Cheers, Ged.

Cheers, Ged.

My pleasure Baba matey..hope you like the pics..:cheers:

Last night at The Odeon London Rd on here ..<<<<... (http://liverpooldays.com/photo/index.php)

"Justice for Michael Shields"... :|

Thanks for the photos Ged. :cheers:

I haven't been to the London Road Odeon for a number of years now. It's quite weird to see the interior looking very modern and up to date, but it looking quite obviously older at the same time. A shame that it's closed, but hopefully with the Odeon already having sold it, we may see it start a new chapter soon.

good points


how about a fact 2?

another independant film/performance space? or returned to a concert space like the academy?

could be! Is the market there though?

I would like to see a classic and/or real arthouse cinema, but is there a market for that? I have been a few times to the Phil to see soem old black and white movies and I would like to think there are enough people in the city (region) to sustain such a venue.

In this 'age of irresponsibility' there may even be the potential for for a multiscreen porno theatre downtown?


I believe there is still quite an attractive art deco frontage underneath all the refurbs it has had over the years!

Just looked at the pics on your new site Ged, very good. I always enjoyed going to the Odeon. Tis a real shame that Liverpool is a one horse town now, with regarsd to the flicks (not counting FACT of course)

I think this area needs regeneration as it detracts from Lime St. However developers would need to retain its down to earth feel as many Scousers have a lot of affection for the old area. I think a bigger more vibrant market of weekdays at the top end would be a good idea,to attract more people in. The area doesn't need more bars or students, both bringing more problems than solutions. The area needs to attract discount value type shops aimed at ordinary folk who are its core market.

Last night at The Odeon London Rd on here ..<<<<... (http://liverpooldays.com/photo/index.php)

That's an astounding website mate. Congratulations.

As someone who loves the cinema and has visited this particular cinema on numerous occasions over the last few decades, I honestly can't say that I'd be sorry to see this demolished. I also work around London Road, so am very familiar with the degree of dereliction it suffers, but also it's immense potential as a diverse, busy Liverpool Street.

The trouble with retaining it is that cinemas are very difficult buildings to do anything useful with. Just look at how long the old ABC has lain in criminal dissuse in a much more prominent area of the city. Whatever architectural merit this building may have once possessed, it's long since passed the point of preservation on any grounds other than usefulness.

And that's the problem, I just can't see the use for a building of that scale which isn't either a shop or a hotel in that location, unless they did fulfill a market niche and turn it into an IMAX.

As you can see on this aerial shot, the cinema takes up a massive section of the area adjacent to the side entrance of Lime Steet, and due to the location of the Empire it basically turns Pudsey Street into a very narrow, dark an dingy street with massive high brick walls either side. This is one of the problems with London Road as a whole, it just doesn't know how to integrate with the rest of the city centre, and the central issue is that there is currently no natural pedestrian 'pathways' into London Road from the city centre.

(Red line is Odeon site, orange is other sites)
http://img73.imageshack.us/img73/2447/livesearchmaps122319429dn5.png

My suggestion would be to create such a pathway from Lime Street by knocking down the whole of the block (perhaps retaining the Lord Nelson pubon the corner) and creating a light, open thoroughfare, with shops and restaurants which effectively expandes and opens up Pudsey Street. You could even retain some sort of cinema, like a single screen IMAX. Not only would this solve the problem of what to do with the site, it could also kick start the regeneration that London Road so badly needs. In my opinion any lasting regeneration needs to start close to town where it is most viable, and spread naturally up the rest of the Road. You can't forcibly regenerate an area just because it needs it, you have to address the problems that made it that way first.



http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/1844/livesearchmaps122319422np5.png

Ok, so I've given it some thought.. here's my new 'master plan' for revitalising the lower end of London Road, which includes knocking down the Odeon.

Here's the current state
http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/788/livesearchmaps122319649hp6.png

And here's my proposal. The blue areas are shops, the red areas of cafes, bars and restaurants, the green areas of public footpaths (shaded green is open air cafe space) the orange is a new IMAX, the pink is a multistory carpark and the yellow is a specially commissioned piece of public art.

The idea is to really open up London Road to pedestrians coming from town, especially through Lime Street. Ideally the cafe's and restaurants would retain the down to earth and inexpensive feel of London Road, being bustling and vibrant, almost like a Morrocan Souk, with small independant shops selling interesting stuff until well into the night.

The IMAX is important to act as a draw to bring people from town, but first they travel through the new streets and are drawn in by the sights and sounds and smells. I'd like to see a real mix of cultures and styles which already exists on London Road preserved (no Costa's or Pizza Huts here!) but at the same time making it feel pleasant and safe at all hours. Also included is a super-crossing for pedestrains opposite the IMAX....

Whatdya think? I'm sure M:Design could whip up a few stunning renders in an afternoon... :D

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/2083/livesearchmapsdfss12231lp1.png

I think the pub you're referring to is Ma Egerton's Tom. The Lord Nelson is on the next block up.

I think the pub you're referring to is Ma Egerton's Tom. The Lord Nelson is on the next block up.

Ah yes... you're right... either way - it's gone in my new masterplan! Mwuahahahahahaaa.... :lol:

Lime Street station will always prevent this part of the city from being fully integrated into the main downtown area. This could potentially be a selling point - an ability to offer something different. The area between say the station and Islington and topped off at the Royal Liverpool should be seen as one package - the whole area needs a co-ordinated makeover, not just the site occupied by the Odeon. This was on the cards a few years ago, I'm not sure what happened to it.

I don't mind the Odeon being knocked down but I'm against it being turned into an open space containing yet more chain bars and restaurants! London Road needs IMO to be bulked up to function as a proper city boulevard. One open space outside TJ's is more than enough. :)

open space is one of the massive problems London rd faces (indeed, it is the main reason it went off the radar), ther's hundreds of acres just behid it, compounded by a suburbanised Everton just beyond this black hole!

:)

Still, all that open space provides potential.

From the Echo -

Hotel chain buys the Odeon cinema

Oct 8 2008 by Neil Hodgson, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL’S former London Road Odeon cinema is to become a hotel.

The 74-year-old site which played host to the Beatles and the Rolling Stones in the 1960s was shut last week and replaced by a 14-screen Odeon in Liverpool One.

There were fears that the former city centre cinema could be mothballed.

The Odeon group has refused to comment on the site’s future use, saying only: “Odeon is unable to comment on any plans for property that is no longer in their possession.”

But a London-based Odeon executive who attended the opening of their new facility in Liverpool One last week confirmed to the ECHO: “The Odeon in London Road has been bought by a hotel chain.”

He declined to give details.

Conversion to a hotel would provide extra bed spaces adjacent to the city’s main Lime Street train station.

Staff from London Road have been deployed in the new Liverpool One Odeon.

From here - http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2008/10/08/hotel-chain-buys-the-odeon-cinema-100252-21990465/

Hilton or Easy?

There was mention of Hilton opening another brand here in Liverpool. Do they have a budget brand? It's not Easy, as they are gonig in Exchange Street East.

Hiltons other brand is for Baltic Triangle area.

Looks like I missed the news about the third Hilton. Why didn't they just build a massive one?

It's the mystery third brand that I was referring to. The eason they don't build a huge one is because they appeal to different markets. The one in Baltic is a lot cheaper than the one in Liverpool One.

the one in liverpool one is massive anyway lol!
i'm really excitedto find where the new one will be, there has been talk of it being in new world square on another thread!

The new hotel in New World Square is surposed to be a 5* hotel. There are 5* Hiltons in London so lets hope its them. it would be a great addition especially so close to the cruise liner facility (its not a true terminal yet - no customs and baggage handling etc). Potentially exciting times ahead

Ok, so I've given it some thought.. here's my new 'master plan' for revitalising the lower end of London Road, which includes knocking down the Odeon.

Here's the current state
http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/788/livesearchmaps122319649hp6.png

And here's my proposal. The blue areas are shops, the red areas of cafes, bars and restaurants, the green areas of public footpaths (shaded green is open air cafe space) the orange is a new IMAX, the pink is a multistory carpark and the yellow is a specially commissioned piece of public art.

The idea is to really open up London Road to pedestrians coming from town, especially through Lime Street. Ideally the cafe's and restaurants would retain the down to earth and inexpensive feel of London Road, being bustling and vibrant, almost like a Morrocan Souk, with small independant shops selling interesting stuff until well into the night.

The IMAX is important to act as a draw to bring people from town, but first they travel through the new streets and are drawn in by the sights and sounds and smells. I'd like to see a real mix of cultures and styles which already exists on London Road preserved (no Costa's or Pizza Huts here!) but at the same time making it feel pleasant and safe at all hours. Also included is a super-crossing for pedestrains opposite the IMAX....

Whatdya think? I'm sure M:Design could whip up a few stunning renders in an afternoon... :D

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/2083/livesearchmapsdfss12231lp1.png

Sounds like a plan ; )

does anyone have any visuals of this area? from street level?

http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/7175/10072009824.jpg

Anyone know what this development is? Just to the left of the Tool Hire centre on the junction with London Road and Seymour Street (although it's actually on St Vincent Street.

I think it's the same guys who did the block next door (left of pic).

http://web.onetel.net.uk/~howardpaterson/uploads/LR1.jpg

A change at last. The top end looks much better but the lower end needs a lot doing to it.

London Road has come a long way in 3 - 4 years. The bottom end just needs smartening up, good infill, and something fantastic done with the Odeon building. Longer term, I have high hopes for the area between Lord Nelson Street and Islington and all the way up to Moss Street.

http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/7175/10072009824.jpg

Anyone know what this development is? Just to the left of the Tool Hire centre on the junction with London Road and Seymour Street (although it's actually on St Vincent Street.

Its an extension of the adjacent building further down Bridport Street, known as Bridpoint. Basement car park, ground floor offices and apartments above. Don't hold your breath for this one to be finished, the first bit took forever.

London Road has come a long way in 3 - 4 years. The bottom end just needs smartening up, good infill, and something fantastic done with the Odeon building. Longer term, I have high hopes for the area between Lord Nelson Street and Islington and all the way up to Moss Street.

im having a play with London road for the design journal, definetly could do with smartening up from the new tesco through to commutation row. Some massing and density would not go a miss.

I've always wondered why a big hotel company hasn't taken an interest in London Rd.

There's plenty of run down buildings at the bottom end that could be redeveloped and you'd have the theatre, St Georges Hall, the museum, Walker art gallery & Lime St station all within a stones throw.

I've always wondered why a big hotel company hasn't taken an interest in London Rd.

There's plenty of run down buildings at the bottom end that could be redeveloped and you'd have the theatre, St Georges Hall, the museum, Walker art gallery & Lime St station all within a stones throw.

I agree that there is massive potential in London Road, but there is also a huge social problem and perception issue too. I think many developers have their eye on the area, but everyone seems to be waiting for someone else to bite the bullet and take a gamble. Once that initial investment comes I think the place will take off. The arrival of the new Tesco could be the spark that is needed, time will tell - I just hope it happens sooner rather than later for the sake of the area and the people who live there and use it.

http://www.staff.ljmu.ac.uk/beshpate/Picture%20039.jpg

Thanks Howie for providing an update on the building shown in the first post on this thread - slow but steady progress.

Cheers Howie. The building next to it is actually one of my favorite new builds in the area. It's small and unasuming but is well proportioned, has some nice high class finishing touches and is a great example of how to do a small scale development without resorting to evil red bricks. Looking forward to seeing the sister building finished, which looks to be slightly taller.

London Road has come a long way in 3 - 4 years. The bottom end just needs smartening up.

Agreed, especially as it is in the vicinity of both the coach and rail stations where people arrive in the city.

http://web.onetel.net.uk/~howardpaterson/uploads/sIMG_0235.jpg

The Maharaja (http://www.maharajaliverpool.co.uk/) is worth a visit though.

http://web.onetel.net.uk/~howardpaterson/uploads/sIMG_0236.jpg

And there are other sights you should see in the London Road area. :cheers:

http://web.onetel.net.uk/~howardpaterson/uploads/sIMG_0237.jpg

Nice photos Howie, totally agree about the Maharaja, wonderful restaurant and unique to the city. Their lunch time set menu is fantastic, a great way to impress visitors to the city (as long as you blindfold them when walking up London Road!). Never been in Durty Nelly's... perhaps I should (for purely cultural reasons of course...)

There is another South Indian restaurant in Liverpool now - the Akshaya (http://www.akshayacuisine.co.uk/) in Kensington.

I remember when the Maharaja (http://www.maharajaliverpool.co.uk/) first opened the slogan on its website was 'the only good reason to visit London Rd. after dark'. :)

I can remember how good the food tasted after the Maharaja first opened and for perhaps the first two years - especially the starters and the rice and the bread and ...

I don't think it's as good as it used to be but it's still my favourite Indian restaurant in town.

Cheers Howie. The building next to it is actually one of my favorite new builds in the area. It's small and unasuming but is well proportioned, has some nice high class finishing touches and is a great example of how to do a small scale development without resorting to evil red bricks. Looking forward to seeing the sister building finished, which looks to be slightly taller.

The building under construction isn't a sister to the one of the left, known as Alina House. Its a sister to the one behind it, further down Bridport Street, known as Bridpoint. I'm afraid that one is red brick and can only assume that the new one will be also.

This building is nearly complete, apparently it's serviced appartments - which is a great idea. We often have to host guests at the University and tend to put them in the Liner (unless they're really important!) because it's relatively close to the Uni - having the option of reasonably priced serviced appartments in the area is a good addition.

http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/4914/img0004edited1.jpg

Christ sakes Tom, do you want your guests to think that Liverpool is a complete shitheap?

Christ sakes Tom, do you want your guests to think that Liverpool is a complete shitheap?

:lol: Show em the worst first, that's what I always say. Let 'em see the real Liverpool, before they get sucked away on a yellow amphibian bus into a fantasy world were everyone hums Beatles tunes and looks like they're from 1968..

I know it's a reaction to changes in the market, but the proliferation of serviced apartments will potentially undermine any residential recovery if we arent careful.

I for one will would never buy or rent a flat in a building or even near a building that had them.

They are like hotels without the staff to enforce quiet at night.

Still, I'm safe in suburbia, although currently with no roof!

:lol: Show em the worst first, that's what I always say. Let 'em see the real Liverpool, before they get sucked away on a yellow amphibian bus into a fantasy world were everyone hums Beatles tunes and looks like they're from 1968..

The real Liverpoool is better than the fantasy world :cheers:

im having a play with London road for the design journal, definetly could do with smartening up from the new tesco through to commutation row. Some massing and density would not go a miss.

stitch it back into Everton and it will flow fine! :)

http://web.onetel.net.uk/~howardpaterson/uploads/sIMG_0265.jpg
Relocated from Lime Street - HENRY BOHN BOOKS

http://web.onetel.net.uk/~howardpaterson/uploads/sIMG_0266.jpg
Recently Opened - KITTED-OUT

http://web.onetel.net.uk/~howardpaterson/uploads/sIMG_0267.jpg
Coming Soon - POUND SHOP PLUS

The bookshop is fabulous. It should be on the tourist maps!

The block where the pound shop is going is attrocious and well past its sell by date. Are those little seaside type sheds still up there too? There's not much left on that side worth keeping now. Lord warden and.........?

Connecting with Everton would be greater if Everton still existed as a residential area.....It's an absolute ghost town nowadays.... might mean burying parts of Islington too. Always thought Islington was prime for major development being so well connected right through to the waterfront with all the North and north eastern corridors coming off it, and the only cross town routes too. It's a complete blank canvas. Maybe that's the problem, everyone's too scared to make the first brush stroke. :)

You don't have to bury part of Islington, just turn it into a nice boulevard. I agree about Everton.. a planners crime if ever the was one!

Are those little seaside type sheds still up there too?

Yes!

http://www.staff.ljmu.ac.uk/beshpate/Picture%20045.jpg

You don't have to bury part of Islington, just turn it into a nice boulevard. I agree about Everton.. a planners crime if ever the was one!

Always thought Islington gave the opportunity to really beef up the whole London Rd area offer by adding depth and getting away from that edge-of-town feel, as it did years ago. Unfortunately ring roads can form terrible barriers hence my mention of burying it partially if only to preserve its current capacity but also to help re-establish crossing roads. Of course if this was lined with medium size developments to replicate the original dense blocks it would become more than just the current deserted thru' route...... it could also help facilitate the proper and higher quality redevelopment of Everton.

The thing that surprises me about London Road is that over the last decade or so, several developments and major refurbishments have taken in the immediate vicinity. However, but for the couple buildings at the Norton Street/London Road junction, very little of significance has taken place on London Road itself. Like Tom suggests about Islington, perhaps people are scared of being the one to go first on London Road too?

From the Planning Explorer -

Application Number - 09O/2623
Site Address - 33 Devon Street Liverpool L3 8HA
Proposal - To erect part six, part eight storey building to comprise commercial units at ground level ( Use class A1) and 48 student flats (166 bedrooms) following demolition of existing building
Applicant - AMA (NW) Developments Co Ltd

Always thought Islington gave the opportunity to really beef up the whole London Rd area offer by adding depth and getting away from that edge-of-town feel, as it did years ago. Unfortunately ring roads can form terrible barriers hence my mention of burying it partially if only to preserve its current capacity but also to help re-establish crossing roads. Of course if this was lined with medium size developments to replicate the original dense blocks it would become more than just the current deserted thru' route...... it could also help facilitate the proper and higher quality redevelopment of Everton.

abslotely. It is the 'feel' of the place as much as the actual road. The green buffer zones, the closed off streets that used to cross the district, the security fences and industrial shed that make it look like some shithole industrial estate on the edge of the city rather than a vibrant, high density downtown district.

Have none of our planners ever been to Paris?

Islington needs buildings either side of it. I'm sure there's enough space for it.

Indeed. They could start by building from Islington Square downwards (from Kelly's furniture down parallel to Carver St). Just grassed over rubble there at the moment, though don't know whether the land either side of the carriageways is subject to any long-term council transport plans.

Yes!

http://www.staff.ljmu.ac.uk/beshpate/Picture%20045.jpg

That needs sorting big time it is terrible!
I'm sure there must be some use for this area.

From the Planning Explorer -

Application Number - 09F/2640
Site Address - Land at the junction off Seymour Street and St Vincent Street Liverpool L3
Proposal - To erect a 4, 5 & 7 storey development comprising bedrooms in 46 no self contained units of accommodation on upper floors and A1, A3 and B1 units at ground floor level with 5 no. car parking spaces, cycle spaces and storage at basement level
Applicant - Edward Simmons LLP AS LPA Recievers

As I understand it, this application relates to the triangular site shown here - http://www.multimap.com/s/DGrFWcNC - bounded by Seymour Street, St Vincent Street, and Lord Nelson Street. At up to 7 storeys tall, it should make quite an impact on the immediate area.

From the Planning Explorer -

Application Number - 09F/2640
Site Address - Land at the junction off Seymour Street and St Vincent Street Liverpool L3
Proposal - To erect a 4, 5 & 7 storey development comprising bedrooms in 46 no self contained units of accommodation on upper floors and A1, A3 and B1 units at ground floor level with 5 no. car parking spaces, cycle spaces and storage at basement level
Applicant - Edward Simmons LLP AS LPA Recievers

As I understand it, this application relates to the triangular site shown here - http://www.multimap.com/s/DGrFWcNC - bounded by Seymour Street, St Vincent Street, and Lord Nelson Street. At up to 7 storeys tall, it should make quite an impact on the immediate area.

This is an alternative to the scheme approved in 2006 which is now in receivership. New application is for student halls.

^^ Sadly, it also demonstrates the sheep like mentality of developers. Having gone through a craze for one bedroom rabbit hutch flats they are now caught up in a craze to build student accommodation here there and everywhere. This approach (chasing the short term buck) doesn't provide the groundwork for a sustainable city. Although, having said that it certainly a lot better than building any more low density housing developments.

I was in Liverpool a few weeks ago and ended up walking around London Road a couple of times.

I was pleasently surprised to see a number of new (corner) shops etc selling a variety of foods that might give China Town a run for its money in a year or two. New resturants on upper floors if you look up. In the way that Liverpool used to have upstairs and basement resturants (Kong Nam - Lord Street and others.)(Samson and Barlows - London Road, which became a fairly good french eatery.....prior to the bull dozer.)

With the unabated demolition of the area(s) lots of smaller places have vanished off the map and despite the fact that not everyone is keen on new developments having shop units within the mix, I can see evidence of the new investments bringing new street life to these run down areas as not everyone is going to shop at L1.

London Road and its surrounds will grow further with its population rise and slowly increased density.

The further and faster it rejoins Islington etc the better.

The wholesale plans for the rejuvination of the Islington area (Liverpool Vision) seem to have been quietly withdrawn and were previously on display in the `Observatory` which was Liverpool Visions shop window......

If the revitalisation of the "North of the city" is critical to the future of the city as recently stated, the plan to rejuvinate Islington would certainly be a step in the right direction.

London Road is slowly rebuilding a community base with its mix of shops. The sort that every diverse city needs and which Liverpool used to have in abundance. :cheers:

PS: All hail to Wetherspoons planning to create 10.000 jobs and open a further 250 pubs nationwide.

Which shows it can be done!

As for the chains that only use public houses as assets and screw their tennants and close to sell.....expletives :bash:

I was in Liverpool a few weeks ago and ended up walking around London Road a couple of times.

I was pleasently surprised to see a number of new (corner) shops selling a variety of foods that might give China Town a run for its money in a year or two. New resturaunts on upper floors if you look up. In the way that Liverpool used to have upstairs and basement resturants (Kong Nam - Lord Street and others.)(Samson and Barlows - London Road, which became a fairly good french eatery.....)

With the unabated demolition of the area(s) lots of smaller places have vanished off the map and despite the fact that not everyone is keen on new developments having shop units within the mix, I can see evidence of the new investments bringing new street life to these run down areas as not everyone is going to shop at L1.

London Road and its surrounds will grow further with its population rise and slowly increased density.

The further and faster it rejoins Islington etc the better.

The wholesale plans for the rejuvination of the Islington area (Liverpool Vision) seem to have been quietly withdrawn and were previously on display in the `Observatory` which was Liverpool Visions shop window......

If the revitalisation of the "North of the city" is critical to the future of the city as recently stated, the plan to rejuvinate Islington would certainly be a step in the right direction.

London Road is slowly rebuilding a community base with its mix of shops. The sort that every diverse city needs and which Liverpool used to have in abundance. :cheers:

PS: All hail to Wetherspoons planning to create 10.000 jobs and open a further 250 pubs nationwide.

Which shows it can be done!

As for the chains that only use public houses as assets and screw their tennants and close to sell.....expletives :bash:

I ended up talking about London Road to someone who hadn't visited Liverpool since the mid 80's and he was surprised when I showed him some recent pictures. I've noticed a certain reaction from people "down south" when I mention how much Liverpool has changed for the better(in most parts , not all). I might pretend to be from somewhere else this week though as i'm always asked questions which is nice in a way but I sometimes feel like a city ambassador.

From LDP Business -

Agents to market former Liverpool Odeon

Dec 9 2009 Liverpool Daily Post

THE former Odeon cinema, in London Road, in Liverpool city centre, is being marketed for sale by property agents.

Knight Frank has been appointed by development company, Parkmoor, to dispose of the building, which dates back to 1934.

The site is close to Lime Street Station and would lend itself to a variety of uses including hotel, student accommodation, office or even a multi-storey car park.

Paul Kelly, at Knight Frank Liverpool, said: “The Lime Street Station area of Liverpool is of great interest at the moment, with the proposed £35m redevelopment project, Lime Street Gateway, now under way.

“The site has fantastic development potential and could act as a catalyst for wider development in the area.”

Article continues here - http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/ldpbusiness/commercial-property-liverpool/2009/12/09/agents-to-market-former-liverpool-odeon-92534-25351368/

...or even a multi-storey car park! :banana2:

:ohno:

With regard to this application -

Application Number - 09F/2640
Site Address - Land at the junction off Seymour Street and St Vincent Street Liverpool L3
Proposal - To erect a 4, 5 & 7 storey development comprising bedrooms in 46 no self contained units of accommodation on upper floors and A1, A3 and B1 units at ground floor level with 5 no. car parking spaces, cycle spaces and storage at basement level
Applicant - Edward Simmons LLP AS LPA Recievers

From the Planning Explorer Related Documents -

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee202/chrisbatesuk/london-road.jpg
Image copyright Browne Smith Baker. Shown here for information purposes only.

I imagine that will look terrible, being covered in a load of terracotta cladding. Still anything around that area is welcome.

Also, bear in mind that the applicant is Edward Simmons LLP AS LPA Receivers.

I guess this means it is just the receivers spending some money to get planning permission, increase the land value and sell it on.

That's a shocker

Hopefully it will be grist to the planning department's mill - given the huge amount of development opportunities that are going to arise in the area between London Road and Brownlow hill from now onwards and consequently the need for joined up thinking about how this location should relate to the wider downtown area.

Anyone holding their breath?

Is that to go in the middle of the triangle of land shown here?

http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/6190/seymourst.jpg

That land needs something, but that's not it!

Would be interesting to see an ariel plan as I'd imagine it'd look quite interesting from above given the shape of the site.

The trouble with the area is that the standard of new architecture is gerenally so poor that this sort of thing could just get through.

However if it is where I think it is then the row of decent terraces running up Seymour Street might force the planners to think more carefully about what they allow to be built opposite.

Is that to go in the middle of the triangle of land shown here?

Yep, that's the one. This isn't an aerial image as such, but it shows the proposed floor plan of the second floor, so gives an idea of how the site will be used. As you can see the building will meet the pavement on all sides, but will be 'hollow' to allow for a central courtyard.

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee202/chrisbatesuk/london-road2.jpg
Image copyright Browne Smith Baker. Shown here for information purposes only.

There's some additional artists impressions here - http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee202/chrisbatesuk/london-road3.jpg
Image copyright Browne Smith Baker. Shown here for information purposes only.

That isnt as bad. I don't mind the mini-tower, but its the swathes of cheap red render that I don't want to see. All it would take fro me to think it looks better would be for the render to be grey. terracotta render looks awful.

Even the cladding on the courtyard looks better.

Cheers Chris! Makes much more sense now. I actually quite like the front of the building, looks relatively graceful and has a classic New York feel to it and is about the right height.. The side elavation is nothing to write home about though, but if the right materials were used I think this could just work.

I like the courtyard aspect and the fact that it creates a new streetscape long St Vincent Street. I also like the idea of having more street level shop fronts to increase pedestrian activity in the area.

If this did get built, and they addressed the vacant land south of Lord Nelson Street then it could really inject some much needed life and vibrance back into the area, especially with the new serviced apartment block being finished on Back Bridport Street.

That isnt as bad. I don't mind the mini-tower, but its the swathes of cheap red render that I don't want to see. All it would take fro me to think it looks better would be for the render to be grey. terracotta render looks awful.

Even the cladding on the courtyard looks better.

I agree about the improvement by using better cladding, in this photo you can see how the cream render used on the building to the left (and now also on the building to the right) is used to great effect, looking modern and classic at the same time. (The photo also gives a good impression of where the new builiding would sit)

http://www.staff.ljmu.ac.uk/beshpate/Picture%20039.jpg
Photo by Howie_P

Personally I don't think its half bad, I'd like to know exactly what the materials are but with what its got it will do a hell of a lot for the area, making itself felt on the London Road junction, with the Seymour Street section of an appropriate height (similar height as the terrace opposite, I know we always wan't bigger, but equal isn't half bad). The active Seymour Street frontage will show people the extremely important opportunity which that street has to link back into Brownlow Hill, this and the John Moores building at the other end are starting to form that link.

I'm still sad that art deco styled pub, the Swan, had to bite it.

The good news 9relatively speaking) is that it seems the building doesnt use panelling. It is brick. Hopefully teh use of lighter brick will soften the impact of the red stuff.

I'm still sad that art deco styled pub, the Swan, had to bite it.

That was an evil place. I remember as a student getting caught up in a massive kick off THERE. All the local "gangsters" used to meet there and do coke off the tables. The landlord couldnt do anything about it as they used to threaten him with violence if he dared call the fuzz or try to chuck em out.

One day he did try to get some guy out and they all went at him with bats.

Nasty. Glad it's closed.

i like how the main building at the tip will help create a kind of circus look to the junction with london road, creating a series of feature buildings that front each junction, with the car parts building being the only part left to redevlop

That was an evil place. I remember as a student getting caught up in a massive kick off THERE. All the local "gangsters" used to meet there and do coke off the tables. The landlord couldnt do anything about it as they used to threaten him with violence if he dared call the fuzz or try to chuck em out.

One day he did try to get some guy out and they all went at him with bats.

Nasty. Glad it's closed.

Yes, it was evidently past its best as a business (and I'll admit I didn't ever go into the place when I've been in most pubs in town over the years). However, the building had something. It would have been better if its licence had been removed and a new ownership taken over. Horrible word, but something of the "gastropub" treatment could have helped.

I'm more bothered about the cheap looking grey plastic cladding than the red brick sections

Apart from that, I think the massing of this building is ok and like the layout with it fronting the road on all sides & having a courtyard. The rounded, taller element is the best part of the building and should provide a bit of a mini landmark on London Rd.

I do like the triangular tower element; the way it will loom up over you as you approach. It'll also bring more people into that area - that crossroads will develop into a good little hub.

The tower element does improve it and adds a sorely needed focal point, but it won't be troubling the Stirling Prize judges.

It should all be the same height as the tower.

Three stories in this location, surrounded by taller buildings (behind and on London Road), will look pathetic. May as well just build some more cul-de-sacs and little semi's.

Plus, Seymour Street needs higher quality architecture. This would be OK on London Road but Seymour St has some character to protect.

It's lucky there's a next to zero chance of it getting built.

Yes, it was evidently past its best as a business (and I'll admit I didn't ever go into the place when I've been in most pubs in town over the years). However, the building had something. It would have been better if its licence had been removed and a new ownership taken over. Horrible word, but something of the "gastropub" treatment could have helped.

cripes. no idea why caps lock activated on the word THERE. i wasnt reinfocing my point or anything...

It should all be the same height as the tower.

Three stories in this location, surrounded by taller buildings (behind and on London Road), will look pathetic. May as well just build some more cul-de-sacs and little semi's.

Plus, Seymour Street needs higher quality architecture. This would be OK on London Road but Seymour St has some character to protect.

It's lucky there's a next to zero chance of it getting built.


It certainly isn't world beating, but not as bad as I'd first thought. I'll have to look and see how much commercial space is in it before deciding.

Had a gander today and noticed the wraps coming off the building that Tom likes the look of.

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj32/buggedboy/ABCD0010-1.jpg

I do like the triangular tower element; the way it will loom up over you as you approach. It'll also bring more people into that area - that crossroads will develop into a good little hub.

I agree. The main disadvantage from my point of view is that these are student flats - the floor layoiut is dientical to the place my wife lived in in Haigh Street (off Shaw St). Of course, the market is dictating this, as the London Rd area has a proliferation of them, so can we really argue with how the developer is making their money. However, I wish this site could have been used for residential flats.

That was an evil place. I remember as a student getting caught up in a massive kick off THERE. All the local "gangsters" used to meet there and do coke off the tables. The landlord couldnt do anything about it as they used to threaten him with violence if he dared call the fuzz or try to chuck em out.

One day he did try to get some guy out and they all went at him with bats.

Nasty. Glad it's closed.

Had some immense afternoons in there. The revolving door, the very well upholstered seats, the ridiculously cheap booze, and most of all - the juke box was free (unintentionally, I think). Glad to say I never saw any scraps in there, but you did hear about things that went on.
The last time I was in there was for some ale after Everton played Villa on the opening day of the 98-99 season. When we got into the pub everybody was clustered around the telly - it was the day of the Omagh bombing, and it was the first we knew about it.

Just looking at that Seymour Street proposal again. It seems this one is actually being put forward by Opal. Now, they already have a presence in the area and have not hit the skids so far as I'm aware. This might increase the likelihood of it actually seeing the light of day.

I do not remember my uni days being anything like this.
http://www.opalstudents.com/student-accommodation/liverpool/opal-court-ocliv/features/extra-1/

opal are certainly one of the better private halls operators. those unite halls are awful, just like giant overpriced prison blocks and always have a bit of a smell about them. opal always seem to be more like normal apartment blocks. these will certainly have a fair market, being close to bot of jmu's central campuses, pretty close to hope in everton and liverpool uni. will also add to the vibrancy of london road and hopefully encourage more rebuilding and businesses to open up

It should all be the same height as the tower.

Three stories in this location, surrounded by taller buildings (behind and on London Road), will look pathetic. May as well just build some more cul-de-sacs and little semi's.

Plus, Seymour Street needs higher quality architecture. This would be OK on London Road but Seymour St has some character to protect.

It's lucky there's a next to zero chance of it getting built.

I'm not sure I agree about the height fo the rest of the building, partly because of the terraces which face it on the opposite side of the Seymour Street. Now I'm never normally one to want to sacrifice a bit of height to stay 'in keeping' - but in this case I feel that the proposed height of the rest of the building would create a nice symetry with the Georgian terraces opposite, and whilst, doing nothing to match them in design or quality, it will at least prevent a relatively bland building from overwhelming the streetscape.

The shape and height of the tower is appropriate for that junction though and in my opinion saves the building. I think, on ballance, for a student resident development this is of a pretty high standard. You only have to look at some of the lego brick boxes which have been built around the area to know that.


The tower reminds me (everso slightly) of this classic
http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/913/builing.jpg

As it happens, this development goes before the Planning Committee next Tuesday, with the Planning Manager recommending it be approved subject to a legal agreement.

The Planning Manager's report can be found here (http://councillors.liverpool.gov.uk/Published/C00000307/M00009418/AI00061678/$LandatthejunctionofSeymourStreetandStVincentStreetLiverpool3.docA.ps.pdf) (requires .pdf)

The tower part has been bolted on in order to make an otherwise hideous rectangular block into something that appears vaguely interesting. OK, this happens a lot, but in this case it shouldn't be allowed to deceive.

For one, it is not the London Road corner that needs protecting it is Seymour St. And Seymour St will be fronted by a 3/4 story 30m? long slab of modern red brick cladding.

For two, the 'corner' tower is not on a corner, it is at the end of a traffic island slightly behind the line of buildings on London Road.

For three, the new buildings behind it are actually surprisingly OK and the present layout with grass and a near traffic-free road in front of them looks alright. Leave it alone!

Also, I was walking down there at the weekend and couldn't help but think that this proposal has echoes of the tool hire building that sits genuinely on the corner. 3 story red brick slab, 'enhanced' by corner raised element. Spooky it is.

I honestly don't agree. Seymour Street is hardly the 8th wonder of the world. Okay, the terraces on the eastern side are nice, but honestly, I think wasteland on the other side is much more detrimental than a bland but largely unoffensive block which may actually add something to the area in terms of activity; something the Islington district sorely needs.

The height is appropriate. Nothing in that part of town should be under 6 or so storeys in height. The triangular tower will add something to the junction with London Road and make you feel like you're actually in the centre of the city. Grassy wastelands bordering lifeless sidestreets does nothing for an area.

I agree Gareth.

I agree too, and we need to build up Seymour Street to connect to Brownlow Hill and Rodney Street, currently there is just 1 Georgian terrace on Seymour Street, the rest is being just the ugly backs of suburban houses and Lime Street Station. We need a fully connected city like we used to have, not Islington as an island only connected to the city centre at St. Georges Plaza.

I agree the building is naff and pretty ugly, but I would be perfectly happy if they built them along the length of Seymour Street and joined right up to Rodney Street, would be much better than before, pulling tons more footfall to the London Road area, improving our city centre immensely...

Absolutely. It's arguable whether anything could be built to match up to the Georgian terraces opposite. This isn't a great location - London Road, even if it were less shabby, is still a main route into the city; you've got Lime Street and the sorting office right behind, and Seymour Street itself is a pretty major cut through. The terrace is actually a misnomer in this location. Far better that we infill the vacant plots to introduce life to the area. Weeds and scrubland are far more detrimental to the look of the terraces (and their value).

Isn't it funny how people change their tone a bit when they see the 3-d stuff as opposed to simple elevations.

Anyone got pics off what was on this corner pre-swan. Was it already a miniature flat-iron with Georgian/Victorian terraces leading off it, similar to Seymour and Lord Nelson Street.

I agree that this will beef up this junction nicely, add some much needed massing and continuity. Nothing worse than under utilised space in town and barren scrub land alongside a major road sends all the wrong messages. Wish the main body and tower both had one more floor to make it a bit more aspirational, but perhaps there are reasons for this.....

http://web.onetel.net.uk/~howardpaterson/uploads/smIMG_0024.jpg

Considering they are pretty cheap, I do find those quite pleasing.

London Road is getting put together, slowly but surely. True, not all of it is of the highest architectural quality, but some schemes (like the Moss St flats) are actually coming together much better than I forsaw.

Yes, they do look cheap - like glitzed-up portacabins. Still, they are the right height so that's something.

Yes, they do look cheap - like glitzed-up portacabins. Still, they are the right height so that's something.

Have you seen them up close Babs? I walk past them every day and I don't think they look cheap at all 'in the flesh'.

Certainly the building on the left is finished to an excellent standard with a very attractive slate facia around the entrance. In another area of town we'd rave about it. The new serviced appartments won't win design awards, but they're well built, appropriately massed and enhance the area significantly. The only drawback is that they didn't continue the nice cream cladding all the way back and opted for red brick in the latter half of the building. However I've stayed in a number of inner city serviced appartments and these are some of the smartest I've seen. I especially like the full penthouse suites at the top with proper balconies which must give interesting views out over the East of the city.

http://www.staff.ljmu.ac.uk/beshpate/Picture%20052.jpg

You know what? That building has turned out so much better than I thought it would. It's amazing what sensible window arrangements can do.

I wouldn't say I'm nuts about it, but it looks OK. I like the height and mass it adds to the area - something the wider Islington area needs. I also agree with Bugged about the sensible window placement, and the fact that most of the windows are quite large, which is nice to see with so many newer developments going for smaller windows.

I take it this development hit the skids at some point though, as it seems to have been under construction for ages?

You know what? That building has turned out so much better than I thought it would. It's amazing what sensible window arrangements can do.

I quite like it as well. I think the reason it works in design terms is because they've gone with a simple but classic symetrical design for both the building and the windows. This is something you rarely see with 'modern' developments, with the obsession being for random (and all too often, tiny) windows and messy asymetric designs.

The comparitively large windows also give it a more 'classic', almost Georgian feel. Ok, I might be over-stating the issue here, but I think it proves the point that cheap developments don't have to look awful as long as they recognise thier limitations and stick to a few basic design principles.

Isn't it funny how people change their tone a bit when they see the 3-d stuff as opposed to simple elevations.

Anyone got pics off what was on this corner pre-swan. Was it already a miniature flat-iron with Georgian/Victorian terraces leading off it, similar to Seymour and Lord Nelson Street.

I agree that this will beef up this junction nicely, add some much needed massing and continuity. Nothing worse than under utilised space in town and barren scrub land alongside a major road sends all the wrong messages. Wish the main body and tower both had one more floor to make it a bit more aspirational, but perhaps there are reasons for this.....

:cheers:

Had a letter through today from LCCs planning apartment regarding the 3/5/7 floor student block on Seymour Street that was approved recently.

Apparently the approval has now been revoked due to the developers refusal to enter into a s.106 agreement, as required under the consent.

Had a letter through today from LCCs planning apartment regarding the 3/5/7 floor student block on Seymour Street that was approved recently.

Apparently the approval has now been revoked due to the developers refusal to enter into a s.106 agreement, as required under the consent.

What was unacceptable to them?

It didn't say in the letter, just that they didn't comply.

Although it would have been nice to have seen it built, at least the fact that it was passed through planning on its own merits, and didn't fall down on issues such as height and massing etc, has set a precedent for a development of that scale on that site. Should they, or any future developer propose a similar scheme for the site at any point, it should, in theory, now be easier to get the development through planning.

I suspect that the administrators behind this development probably just wanted to turn a buck as quickly and as cheaply as possible. The (quality control) recommendations made by the planning department were probably seen as too constraining :dunno:

I can't recall a developer refusing to enter into a s106 agreement before.

Perhaps (more likely) the administrators received a good offer for the plot and are happy to let someone else develop it. This at least suggests interest in developing the site.

I'd not heard of it either, but it appears they have.

The s106 wasn't agreed due to technical reasons to do with the receivership of the site. An offer hasn't been received on the site but its due to go to market soon.

London Road is getting put together, slowly but surely. True, not all of it is of the highest architectural quality, but some schemes (like the Moss St flats) are actually coming together much better than I forsaw.

There has been a lot of small improvements in London Road with some long abandoned buildings coming back into use.

http://web.onetel.net.uk/~howardpaterson/uploads/IMG_0005_small.jpg

http://web.onetel.net.uk/~howardpaterson/uploads/London%20Road.jpg

Anyone noticed all the Asian shops that have sprung up on London Road in recent times? Halal meat et al.

London Road's getting better, though that's from a very, very low base.

Anyone noticed all the Asian shops that have sprung up on London Road in recent times? Halal meat et al.

London Road's getting better, though that's from a very, very low base.

Makes sense really. It has always been an immigrant area traditionally; long ago it was Jewish. Just like Brick Lane in London went from being Jewish to Asian, maybe London Road will go the same way. Hope so; great place for restaurants is Brick Lane.

This may sound odd, but personally I'd welcome a mosque in this area if it were architecturally pleasant.

The area adjacent to the coach station would be suitable.

Religious buildings have always given Liverpool character and beauty, a Liverpool central mosque there would be great.

Well we did have the first Mosque in the country in Brougham Terrace - late 19th century I think. It would be fantastic if London Road became Liverpool's Brick Lane - especially if they opened a branch of that fantastic 24 hour bagel shop - yum.

Well we did have the first Mosque in the country in Brougham Terrace - late 19th century I think. It would be fantastic if London Road became Liverpool's Brick Lane - especially if they opened a branch of that fantastic 24 hour bagel shop - yum.

A 24 hour anything shop would be a bonus in that area, and in fact any part of the city centre. Although the early/mid evening opening of most shops has greatly improved in the last few years there's still a woeful lack of places to go, other than bars and clubs, after about 10pm. We need more all night coffee houses and ice cream/donught/bagel shops.. :cheers:

I see the unit next to Tesco on London Road is being turned into a Costa Coffee.

Not precisely ground breaking but it's filling a vacant unit with a benchmark brand.

I have just wrote about my ideas and thoughts on this road inn the retail thread, I think London Road actually has alot of potential IF well planned, it could become many of things my idea was for the road to become an area of INTERNATIONAL CULTURE.

The old Odeon could be refurbished and turned into an ethnic, world market selling things from food to clothing, Liverpool has a great history of different ethnic groups why not celebrate this.

Then maybe we could see different ethnic style restaurants such as Indian, French, Mongolian, etc..

Then maybe a foreign picture house that shows foreign films, I know its very a la fact, but, fact does well enough im sure abit of rivalry will do it no harm.

I mean this just one idea, it could well become a road of entertainment; comedy clubs, literature houses, pubs, new bars and clubs, music venues etc.

As i say alot of potential just a little of investment

Is the Odeon not going to be a hotel now then? It was October 2008 that that news came out.

Demolition on the row of shops has started near Pryor's Jewellers on London Road. The pub (can't remember the name but it was a dive like most other pubs on London Road) is now completely demolished and scaffolding is up around the next two buildings.

Any idea what is planned for this site?

I hope Pryors itself isnt going. That building is in great nick.

(can't remember the name but it was a dive like most other pubs on London Road)

The Windsor (aka The Greeks)

This is the development in question -

Application Number - 08F/1657
Site Address - 124 London Road, Liverpool, L3
Proposal - To erect mixed use development of basement car parking, 5 storey residential development over ground floor retail/commercial space, and refurbish no. 128 including extension of the ground retail unit, and conversion of upper floors to provide student accommodation
Applicant - Westville Developments Ltd

Existing frontage -
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee202/chrisbatesuk/greekstreet-1.jpg
Copyright to the respective copyright holder(s). Displayed here for information purposes only.

Proposed frontage- http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee202/chrisbatesuk/greekstreet-2.jpg
Copyright to the respective copyright holder(s). Displayed here for information purposes only.

The Planning Manager's report on the scheme can be read here - http://northgate.liverpool.gov.uk/DocumentExplorer/Application/stream.aspx?target=http%3A%2F%2F10.8.21.67%2FNorthgate%2FDocumentExplorer%2FDocumentStream%2FDocumentStream.aspx%3Fname%3Ddocgen%255ccomm%255c2489218.doc%26unique%3D728959%26type%3DMVMPRD_DC_PLANAPP - while other documents including other elevation and floor plans can be found here - http://northgate.liverpool.gov.uk/DocumentExplorer/Application/folderview.aspx?type=MVMPRD_DC_PLANAPP&key=728959

The application is misleadingly labelled as '124 London Road', as it actually covers Nos. 112-128.

Pryor's is No. 110, on the other corner of Greek Street, so is outside the scheme.

No. 130 is derelict and has been for ages, shame they couldn't have gone one building further up the road (the block extends to 136), but it's probably in separate ownership.

London Rd needs trees, shady, green, magnificent trees planted on the pavements

Does anyone know why and when Jeromes was demolished as the site as just lay idle ever since (apart from those 'arty' chairs)

The building looked like a warehouse with a shop frontage and i've quite a few family photos taken in there up to the 1960s.

http://www.photomemorabilia.co.uk/Jerome_Studios.html



.

Does anyone know why and when Jeromes was demolished as the site as just lay idle ever since (apart from those 'arty' chairs)

The building looked like a warehouse with a shop frontage and i've quite a few family photos taken in there up to the 1960s.

http://www.photomemorabilia.co.uk/Jerome_Studios.html



.


I remember it was demolished in the early 90's when the Major government attempted a hamfisted regeneration of the area under the city challenge scheme. I was up there today and the lower end still looks like a bloody shambles and it seems that year in year out nothing is ever done.

City Challenge? I'd imagine the local party (LCC?) were in charge of the actual plans like. LCC just won the bid from amongst other blasted locations. Worst of all (and I know I'm repeating myself here) is what might be the only working public toilet in town, apart from one or two automatic ones that look like they're fritzed already, and the most recent that was built right in front of the statue of King George as Caesar at the junction of London and Pembroke roads at Monument fecking Place.

Opened by Tim Yeo, it reads, in 1992. Back then he was boffing some bird and had to resign. Now he's probably not and I think I'm right in thinking he's back in government.

I don't know much about how local government works, so others may enlighten me, but why can't the council do something about this area? It really isn't good enough. The odeon's departure from the area has made it even worse and although a hotel was promised I very much doubt it happening. It just looks cheap and shit.

City Challenge? I'd imagine the local party (LCC?) were in charge of the actual plans like. LCC just won the bid from amongst other blasted locations. Worst of all (and I know I'm repeating myself here) is what might be the only working public toilet in town, apart from one or two automatic ones that look like they're fritzed already, and the most recent that was built right in front of the statue of King George as Caesar at the junction of London and Pembroke roads at Monument fecking Place.

Opened by Tim Yeo, it reads, in 1992. Back then he was boffing some bird and had to resign. Now he's probably not and I think I'm right in thinking he's back in government.

Oh look at you! You're going all common!

LCC could easily have a masterplan for this area and ensure what decent stuff is still there remains, and encourage new housing and not just shite pokey flats but townhouses and spacious apartments, and also the encouragement of housing for students and nurses etc. A few squares, new trees, live-work spaces, it really could be a brilliant mixed area to live and work in

to be fair the london road area has changed massively for the better over the past 15 years. there have been some pretty huge building developments here, its just that every single building was/is awful. even if you have a master plan that is no guarantee that property owners will invest. i don't recall a single year there hasn't been rebuilding here though. the new royal should act as a pretty major catalyst in changing the dynamics of this part of the city

Application has gone in to open a gym on London Road.
http://northgate.liverpool.gov.uk/PlanningExplorerAA/Generic/StdDetails.aspx?PT=Planning Applications On-Line&TYPE=PL/PlanningPK.xml&PARAM0=753752&XSLT=/PlanningExplorerAA/SiteFiles/Skins/Liverpool_M3/xslt/PL/PLDetails.xslt&FT=Planning Application Details&PUBLIC=Y&XMLSIDE=&DAURI=PLANNING

Opened by Tim Yeo, it reads, in 1992. Back then he was boffing some bird and had to resign. Now he's probably not and I think I'm right in thinking he's back in government.

The story of Tim Yeo is certainly an amusing one. The news of him getting his mistress up the duff broke right after Christmas and so had maximum exposure due to this period being exceptionally quiet for the press.

However, although his party is, he is not in government. He's the chairman of the Select Committee for Energy and Climate Change.

Ah, cheers. I thought I'd heard his name again recently in some official context or other.

Demolition nearly finished on one side of the road..

http://img801.imageshack.us/img801/2902/iphone018.jpg


http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/3548/iphone020.jpg


New Costa opened up on the other!

http://img810.imageshack.us/img810/5321/iphone019.jpg

A new dawn for London Road? We'll see. Anyone else noticed Costa and Tesco's getting increasingly cosy these days?

^^

Yeah. I think they fancy each other. Must be a partnership of some kind.

good to see london road getting a good slice of retail and regeneration. i look forward to that new student block as well as this new development going on site. will certainly help re-establish this neighbourhood.london road does have alot going for it even in its present state

if you mean that student block on the grassed land alongside seymore terrace, that has bitten the dust. The developers pulled out.

As to the demolition site, has anyone got pics of what is replacing it?

As to the demolition site, has anyone got pics of what is replacing it?

This -

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee202/chrisbatesuk/greekstreet-2.jpg
Copyright to the copyright holder. Shown here for information purposes only.

Ocon wins £5m student job in Liverpool
Grant Prior | Tue 7th September | 13:38

http://www.constructionenquirer.com/wp-content/uploads/ocon-190x134.jpg

Ocon Construction has won a £5m student accommodation job in Liverpool.

Demolition work has just begun to clear the site for the 100-unit scheme for Liverpool-based, Westville Developments.

The scheme has been designed by architects Lewis & Hickey and will see an outdated pub, retail units and bedsits at 114-126 London Road make way for five storeys of student accommodation, ground floor retail/office space and basement parking.

The adjacent property, 128 London Road, has been identified by the planning authorities as a building of special historical interest and this will be refurbished and integrated with the new build scheme, providing two two-bedroom student apartments and the scheme’s management suite.

Due for completion by the end of August 2011 in time for the start of the 2011/2012 academic year, the development is the second student accommodation scheme to be built by Ocon on London Road and also follows the firm’s successful completion of the £12.2 ‘Stella Nova’ luxury residential scheme in Bootle last year.

The new development will see the contractor build the 100 studio units, which will include individual bedroom, kitchen and bathroom facilities for future tenants.

Ocon managing director Andy Barker said : “Our involvement in this prestigious new scheme once again demonstrates that Ocon is at the forefront of the student accommodation sector, with an enviable reputation for delivering projects to programme and on budget.

“This is the latest in a number of student accommodation schemes currently on site, including projects that Ocon is building in Loughborough, Exeter, Dundee and Sussex.

“We’re delighted to be back in Liverpool after the success of our previous two Liverpool schemes,” he added, “and we’re looking forward to seeing the development take shape once we’re on site later in the summer.”

Source: Constuction Enquirer (http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2010/09/07/ocon-wins-5m-student-job-in-liverpool/)

Good to get confirmation and more detail. I sometimes forget some of these projects actually come to fruition these days. So many speculative proposals around there never see the light of day.

Just thinking on this project. It goes to show how little it would take to really impact on this area. If this costy only £5m, then £50m would see London Road completely transformed.

I know the Royal will really help, but that won't be starting for 2 years.

London Road has really come a long way in the last couple of years or so. Of course, there's still some way to go, but I think London Road has a bright future.

a different render has appeared in place nw, looks good from this view, adds some variety as well
http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/assets/_files/cached/img/402x267.56982343499/sep_10/pnw__1284110984_London_Road_student_scheme.jpg
article here (http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/7119-ocon-wins-5m-student-flats-contract.html)

London Road has really come a long way in the last couple of years or so. Of course, there's still some way to go, but I think London Road has a bright future.

I like London Road a lot and agree it's still a way to go but even when downtrodden it always seems busy which is more than can be said for some of the more high end bits of the city centre, like parts of the business district

Henry Bohn Books adds nicely to London Road. Though it has to be said, the thing on the ceiling on the ground floor rather reminds me of something rude.

For the first time in 2 or 3 years I had to walk up London Road last night as I was visiting the old man in the Royal. I parked by the Aldi/Netto/Lidl and was pleasantly surprised to see the B&M taking up the ground floor of the old Co-Op building. Further up, I had no idea that there was an Indian food store and I was really surprised that the old greasy spoon has now become a bar!

However, the main thing for me was that the street was thronged with people, and not just students or "key workers" (aaarrrggghh whoever coined that needs shooting!), but clearly a lot of locals as well, like me. I used to go drinking down this part of town and had friends living nearby, and I had never seen it so busy at 6 in the evening. Surely bodes well for the area.

I like London Road a lot and agree it's still a way to go but even when downtrodden it always seems busy which is more than can be said for some of the more high end bits of the city centre, like parts of the business district

I agree with you there; i was in the Old Hall street area today - dead!!!! I know that it is a weekend - but still!

For the first time in 2 or 3 years I had to walk up London Road last night as I was visiting the old man in the Royal. I parked by the Aldi/Netto/Lidl and was pleasantly surprised to see the B&M taking up the ground floor of the old Co-Op building. Further up, I had no idea that there was an Indian food store and I was really surprised that the old greasy spoon has now become a bar!

However, the main thing for me was that the street was thronged with people, and not just students or "key workers" (aaarrrggghh whoever coined that needs shooting!), but clearly a lot of locals as well, like me. I used to go drinking down this part of town and had friends living nearby, and I had never seen it so busy at 6 in the evening. Surely bodes well for the area.

Yes, I noticed when visiting Shaw Street, in Everton, recently, that this area is becoming quite a lively little place.The Hope University Campus, then over the road towards the Royal, and then the regenerating university campus has become quite a hot-spot.

I agree with you there; i was in the Old Hall street area today - dead!!!! I know that it is a weekend - but still!

Business districts tend to be quiet at the weekend. Ever been in the Square Mile in London on a Saturday or Sunday?

Went to the Majahara on London Road on Friday night. Got to say, I thought it was really good stuff.

For the first time in 2 or 3 years I had to walk up London Road last night as I was visiting the old man in the Royal. I parked by the Aldi/Netto/Lidl and was pleasantly surprised to see the B&M taking up the ground floor of the old Co-Op building. Further up, I had no idea that there was an Indian food store and I was really surprised that the old greasy spoon has now become a bar!

However, the main thing for me was that the street was thronged with people, and not just students or "key workers" (aaarrrggghh whoever coined that needs shooting!), but clearly a lot of locals as well, like me. I used to go drinking down this part of town and had friends living nearby, and I had never seen it so busy at 6 in the evening. Surely bodes well for the area.

London rd. is increasingly becoming an islamic quarter. In recent times many empty shops have become islamic food stores. These shops stay open later and will make the area more active in the eveining. I expect to see many more islamic businesses in the area, such as , clothes shops, international telephone exchanges, islamic restaurants, islamic legal and financial services. Say within 10 years I would expect to see a mosque.

^^

As I think I posted a few months back, it is our own Brick Lane; from Jewish to Asian in 50 years.

I would like to se the coach station improved and enlarged. Piss poor at the moment with few facilities. They could knock some of the tat at the back of London Road down and improve this area.

Business districts tend to be quiet at the weekend. Ever been in the Square Mile in London on a Saturday or Sunday?

Yes, I have.

http://www.staff.ljmu.ac.uk/beshpate/pIMG_0174.jpg

http://www.staff.ljmu.ac.uk/beshpate/pIMG_0173.jpg

http://www.staff.ljmu.ac.uk/beshpate/pIMG_0177.jpg

http://www.staff.ljmu.ac.uk/beshpate/pIMG_0175.jpg

I dont agree with that demolition. Them shitty buildings were alright

http://www.staff.ljmu.ac.uk/beshpate/pIMG_0174.jpg

http://www.staff.ljmu.ac.uk/beshpate/pIMG_0173.jpg

http://www.staff.ljmu.ac.uk/beshpate/pIMG_0177.jpg




Nice pictures. I like the vibe of this area these days, down at heel but lively and becoming more diverse. Those stores add colour and vibrancy to the area, and in my view a mosque would be welcome in the area. In fact a mosque could be an architectural bonus for Liverpool adding to our existing collection of beautiful ecclesiastical buildings.

Islam is not known for the love of the pictorial or the image, Islam loves the abstract. A mosque situated at the rear of the lower end of London Road would not only add to the regeneration of the district but could be an architectural statement in itself.

Anyone seen that Converse mural on the side of a building at the bottom of London Road?

I really love it, will be a shame if they build there now.

For what it's worth.

Former Windsor? Pub and bed shop site - London Road / Greek St

http://img576.imageshack.us/img576/4407/p1030027m.jpg

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/8109/p1030026em.jpg

Seen some workmen going in and out of the Odeon yesterday. Anyone any idea what they are doing?

Seen some workmen going in and out of the Odeon yesterday. Anyone any idea what they are doing?

Watching Harry Potter ???

Seen some workmen going in and out of the Odeon yesterday. Anyone any idea what they are doing?

Not sure but they've been at it for several weeks now (watching all the Harry Potter films back to back?) - looks like a major strip out.

Long time, no see, T0mskers.

Seen some workmen going in and out of the Odeon yesterday. Anyone any idea what they are doing?

Given proximity could this not provide rehearsal space for the Empire or another venue for the 02 Academy perhaps? Not sure if either would be needed to be honest. I've always thought that it would be cool to have an old cinema in town playing rock and roll films / famous gigs etc. We thought about doing something similar in the cinema upstairs at the CUC but couldn't for a variety of reasons.

This may sound odd, but personally I'd welcome a mosque in this area if it were architecturally pleasant.

The area adjacent to the coach station would be suitable.

Religious buildings have always given Liverpool character and beauty, a Liverpool central mosque there would be great.

Nah we dont mosques.

A mosque would be nice but I don't think there is a big enough Islamic population to fill another one

You probably already know this, but just in case - the first ever mosque in Britain was situated on Brougham Terrace( Everton - West Derby Rd); when last I heard it was undergoing renovation

You probably already know this, but just in case - the first ever mosque in Britain was situated on Brougham Terrace( Everton - West Derby Rd); when last I heard it was undergoing renovation

According to a Guardian article it is due to be finished in 2011...haven't heard anything though

Limited progress but at least there is something above ground

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/7006/p1030114r.jpg

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/8579/p1030115n.jpg

http://www.staff.ljmu.ac.uk/beshpate/bIMG_0244.jpg

http://www.staff.ljmu.ac.uk/beshpate/bIMG_0243.jpg

http://www.staff.ljmu.ac.uk/beshpate/bIMG_0245.jpg

Cheers for that. Seems to have accelerated a bit now. Hopefully this will be at full height within 6 months.

According to a Guardian article it is due to be finished in 2011...haven't heard anything though

I drive past this every day and there are no rennovation works going on. Sadly, it has been left to rot.

With regard to the former Odeon, a post from someone on another forum who seems to be one of the workmen currently on-site suggests that after being gutted, the building will be demolished, before the site becomes a car park for two years, and then a hotel or apartments.

Make of that what you will.

I saw it was being gutted, but hoped it wouldn't be left and that development would happen immediately. Bad news.

Anyone seen any planning requests for a car park in that location?

I vaguely recall reading posts on here from a workman on one of the sites and he wasn't exactly reliable so unless there's something more tangible ...

Anyone seen any planning requests for a car park in that location?

Nope. There's nothing I can see on the Planning Explorer.

I vaguely recall reading posts on here from a workman on one of the sites and he wasn't exactly reliable so unless there's something more tangible ...

Fair point, but I thought it may be of interest.

To be honest, I'm very mixed if demolition is in the offing. On the one hand, the site could be put into productive use if a hotel or apartment development is built (hopefully the former). In addition, the building has been so heavily modified over the years, that most areas/items of interest have long since been removed/destroyed. Furthermore, the internal design of the building, and the afore-mentioned major modifications down the years would also make it difficult to re-fashion the building for most other uses.

On the other hand, all that said, if the suggested demolition goes ahead, I'll still feel like we're losing something worth keeping.

I agree - worth reporting so that we can reality test it. IMO SSC often does this better than homegrown / other sites.

Any official statements about what's going on from the owners?

This is all I could find:

http://www.pldbgw-knightfrank.maximalls.net/dynamic/pdf/72327/72327.pdf

Was a buyer found?

From 28DL:

http://www.28dayslater.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=54875&page=3

Interesting pics of the interior on the 28DL site

^^

Just for the avoidance of doubt, the site I mentioned I had seen the report of demolition on was 28 Days Later.

I love the pics they post on 28DL - showing sides of the city that most of us never see!

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee202/chrisbatesuk/london-road3.jpg
Image copyright Browne Smith Baker. Shown here for information purposes only.

This one is back before the Planning Committee next week, and again is being recommended for approval subject to a legal agreement. If the developer fails to sign a Section 106 Agreement by the 24th February, the Planning Manager is requesting delegated powers to refuse the application, like what happened last year.

Can't see this getting built. Isn't the applicant a firm of administrators just trying to increase land value?

http://img600.imageshack.us/img600/8439/p1030161w.jpg

http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/4166/p1030162gd.jpg

Progressing Nicely....

A few from Saturday 19th February 2011.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5018/5472076237_db5e5cd71b_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/5472076237/)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5134/5472672696_b070bcc933_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/5472672696/)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5171/5472085511_978b36221a_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/5472085511/)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5297/5472090539_dee2c04ec9_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/5472090539/)

seems to be much slower progress than the uni halls which already have lift cores rising and concrete columns going up after just a week or so of cranes being on site, i live right by this and it just seems to have been going at a snails pace for an age

Just posted some pics of that on the University thread

Eco Hall Development Latest Pics ( http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=73218155&postcount=1042)
.

Can't see this getting built. Isn't the applicant a firm of administrators just trying to increase land value?

The applicant is basically the Irish Government.

They can afford to pay the Section 106 money out of the £6b that the British Government loaned them last year!

seems to be much slower progress than the uni halls which already have lift cores rising and concrete columns going up after just a week or so of cranes being on site, i live right by this and it just seems to have been going at a snails pace for an age

The site does look at lot more awkward to work on, but I agree it's taken ages to get to this point. Still, beggars can't be choosers at the moment.

The site does look at lot more awkward to work on, but I agree it's taken ages to get to this point. Still, beggars can't be choosers at the moment.
upper floors seem to be pre- made wooden construction similar to the new travelodge, this is going to fly up from now

upper floors seem to be pre- made wooden construction similar to the new travelodge, this is going to fly up from now

Totally agree...
As I passed the other week they were taking down the upper level scaffolding, pics I thought thats as high as there going with reinenforced concrete I bet it's going to be wooden panels from now on looks like I was right.....

A Liebherr Mobile Tower Crane on site for the erecting of the upper levels...
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5216/5504726566_5922da0fed_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/5504726566/)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5094/5504141813_52cde088f8_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/5504141813/)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5020/5504743964_48de9d67b9_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/5504743964/)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5220/5504159929_def5ea2e8f_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/5504159929/)

Eco Hall Development Set (Vine Street Student Residences)... (http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/sets/72157625896272181/)
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Mount Pleasant University Development... (http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/sets/72157625362351459/)
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London Road Liverpool - Development... (http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/sets/72157626124495968/with/5504159929/)
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^Not any more,it's going to be demolished for a temporary car park for a few years,then maybe a hotel will be built. The scaffolding's up on two sides and part of the metal cladding has been removed,so anybody wanting pix of its original frontage might want to get down there quickly.

Dave.

Another surface carpark? Arf!

It is being demolished as we speak

I walked out of Lime Street Station towards Pudsey Street
for my short cut to London Road then my tour of all the University Developments,
when I saw Pudsey was blocked off because the Old Odeon Cinema is being demolished. :cheers:

A few pics & video's........

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5055/5520879199_310873a193_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/5520879199/)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5133/5520892767_9b2961cb27_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/5520892767/)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5132/5521446842_15d2a41f96_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/5521446842/)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5100/5521491220_1ac3bb3f8c_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/5521491220/)

A few Demolition Video's....

ffTZUu2Fp6o

r_daBvfvTDA

C9nuInLNxcQ

http://www.staff.ljmu.ac.uk/beshpate/Picture%20058.jpg

http://www.staff.ljmu.ac.uk/beshpate/Picture%20057.jpg

I'm assuming the pub on the corner is staying :dunno: Don't recall seeing planning permission being granted for a car park. Maybe it will end up looking like the corner site on James Street & Strand Street, levelled with a little wooden fence?

Thanks for the updates chaps. :cheers:

It seems a shame that a building, that whilst a little old, but still in acceptable condition, and able to fulfil its role, should be demolished.

What I would like to know is, who allowed a covenant to be granted that prevented this from being used as a cinema? I would imagine another operator would have been willing to take it over, as really all they would need to do is spring for some new signage, and probably some other relatively minimal cost odds and ends, and they'd be up and running. I think questions should be asked about why that covenant was allowed to be granted.

On a broader note, after it has served as a car park (and Babs, you are right, there is no planning permission even submitted, never mind granted for a car park here) there's talk of this site becoming a hotel in a couple of years time. What I don't understand is that while hotel developments are being submitted and constructed all over the city centre, thanks to the buoyant hotel market, despite the economic conditions, hotels can't seem to get off the ground right near where you'd assume they'd work best - next door to the station. The developers behind this scheme are waiting two years, the two hotels at the Chieftain scheme on Skelhorne Street have sunk without trace, so what's the problem?

I asked one of the Mees Demolition lookout guys what was going here after
the Demolition he told me that a Jury Inn hotel was going to be build here !!

Lying bastard, methinks..

The lookout guy, not Chris!

My guess would be that hotels are not taking off in this area because its undesirable, nowhere near L1, Albert Dock, Pier Head and most importantly the Business District / Kings Dock for mid-week business.

That is just an educated guess though. The Business District and Waterfront/L1 area seem to be the boom areas for Hotels.

I agree. It is simply too scruffy at the moment and needs a high impact intervention to attract hoteliers. A large scale development, the size of Project Jennifer, could do it. This is despite London Road actually being pretty vibrant, in it's own way. It is vibrant in very low end stuff, the same as St Johns.

From a tourist's standpoint, the former Odeon site is an ideal location for a stay - walkable from the station, close to St George's Hall and the delights of William Brown Street. I can just see the promo picture of the Steble fountain with the hotel behind it :)

On the other hand, I've learnt not to trust what demolition men and building site workers say about developments until after I have read the planning application.

Replacing that horrid row of cabin shops more or less opposite the Maharaja with a decent 5 - 6 storey building would work wonders for London Road. Forcing property owners to maintain their properties would also help. I'd be tempted to widen the pavements and plant a few trees, work up that 'triangle' opposite TJ's into a 'continental-style' square :hilarious

Drug addicts getting their methadone from the two chemists on the street probably don't help either.

I'm sure hoteliers are more than aware of this before they invest any cash.

From a tourist's standpoint, the former Odeon site is an ideal location for a stay - walkable from the station, close to St George's Hall and the delights of William Brown Street. I can just see the promo picture of the Steble fountain with the hotel behind it :)

On the other hand, I've learnt not to trust what demolition men and building site workers say about developments until after I have read the planning application.

Replacing that horrid row of cabin shops more or less opposite the Maharaja with a decent 5 - 6 storey building would work wonders for London Road. Forcing property owners to maintain their properties would also help. I'd be tempted to widen the pavements and plant a few trees, work up that 'triangle' opposite TJ's into a 'continental-style' square :hilarious

When London Road was given an overhaul back in the 1990s, the over-arching theme of the development was to create a 'Parisian Boulevard'.

Well that worked! :doh:

EAT SHIT PAAARRIIISSS! :lol:

Courtesy of the much missed, Tom

[QUOTE=T0M;10655897]
http://img399.imageshack.us/img399/630/imgp2032is6.jpg

http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/4848/imgp1910ag9.jpg

http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/4884/imgp1905lk0.jpg

http://img272.imageshack.us/img272/1513/imgp2035ff7.jpg

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/4161/img4717xe9.jpg

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/8784/img4718mv4.jpg

And from phillipgmayer - Flickr

http://i879.photobucket.com/albums/ab353/Babaloo5/Screenshot2011-03-22at090532.png