Ambitious plans to convert Liverpool's iconic Littlewoods building into a major television and film production hub are set to be presented to the highest levels of government in the New Year.
From Pools Headquarters to Screen Academy
Liverpool City Council leader, Councillor Liam Robinson, has confirmed that detailed proposals for the £70m project will be taken to Downing Street in February 2025. The aim is to secure ministerial support and funding for the scheme, which aims to cement Liverpool's status as a premier filming destination.
The art-deco building on Edge Lane, constructed in 1938 as the headquarters for the Littlewoods football pools, has stood largely dormant since its closure in 1994. The landmark project, led by developer Capital&Centric (C&C), began remediation work in December 2023. It envisions the creation of two new 20,000 square foot studio stages, the restoration of the existing historic structure, and integration with the existing facilities at The Depot.
Securing Funding and Building a Creative Future
Councillor Robinson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that there is "a lot of national government interest" in the transformative scheme. The presentation to ministers will focus on funding models, potential tenants, and the vision for a screen academy school on site.
"The opportunity to do something transformational that has such a big impact for well beyond the city, the whole region, and I would argue for the whole north of England is huge," Robinson stated, highlighting the site's prominent location on the main route from the M62.
The project is a cornerstone of Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram's ambition to turn the Liverpool City Region into the 'Hollywood of the North'. Initial funding was approved by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority in July 2020.
Overcoming Challenges and Looking Ahead
While the full scheme is earmarked for completion in 2027, with new wings originally scheduled to open in 2026, the developer has acknowledged financial challenges. In summer 2025, C&C co-founder Tim Heatley said the cost of delivery "exceeds the value of the completed development" in the current climate, prompting talks with government about "gap funding."
The project faced a setback when Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) withdrew as an anchor tenant, but developers and local authorities remain committed. The Combined Authority has pledged to work with the government, council, and Capital&Centric to secure the necessary investment to bring this vision for a key city landmark to life.
