Plans to create more than 500 new apartments across four buildings at Brunswick Dock have been recommended for approval by Liverpool City Council’s planning committee.

Proposals for the development, known as Brunswick Quay, include a tree-lined dockside boardwalk, a large area of public realm and four commercial units.

A total of 552 residential units (193 one-bed, 331 two-bed & 28 three-bed apartments) would be spread across four blocks of differing heights (8, 10, 12 and 13 storeys), interlinked by a single shared double height podium.

The ambitious scheme has been brought forward by Maro Developments, the property vehicle of Liverpool-born Matalan founder John Hargreaves.

According to a planning application for the project, the site, located between Sefton Street and the River Mersey at the southern end of Brunswick Dock, has been under the ownership of Maro since 2003.

The plot was purchased at a “buoyant time in the economy” and proposals were developed for a “landmark tower”, but were scrapped after it proved they were not “economically viable” for the location.

“More modest” proposals for the site were then developed, before being halted by the onset of the 2008 recession.

A report to the council’s virtual planning committee, which will meet on Tuesday 8 September, is now recommending the latest plans be approved.

The case officer’s report reads: “The proposal would assist in the planned mixed-use expansion of the area as proposed within the emerging Local Plan. Furthermore, it would enable the more efficient use of an underperforming urban brownfield site with high-quality mixed-use scheme.

“The site is currently of little visual benefit, used for temporary surface parking. Its redevelopment with a striking modern building and associated areas of public realm, of considered design, presents the opportunity to further re-engage local residents and visitors with Brunswick Dock and the River Mersey whilst strengthening built form and visually enhancing this site as well as that of the surrounding area.

“The building is of an appropriate scale, sufficiently well-proportioned and would engage well at a human scale, animating adjacent spaces. Overall, the proposals are considered to create an attractive and high-quality development.

“The proposal will deliver numerous public realm improvements through the provision of a new dockside walkway and large area of public amenity space located adjacent to the River Mersey so as to allow the creation of a more inviting local environment.”

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