Plans for the regeneration of Liverpool’s Festival Gardens site have taken a major step forward with the selection of a development partner.

Liverpool City Council has chosen a joint venture company, led by Urban Splash and igloo Regeneration, following a procurement process launched last autumn.

The two award-winning companies have come together to collaborate on creating an “innovative and sustainable” housing scheme on the landmark riverside site.

Founded in Liverpool in 1993, Urban Splash’s portfolio includes the transformation of the Ropewalks in the 1990s, commercial estates such as the Matchworks in Speke, and a range of large-scale regeneration projects nationwide.

igloo is a national sustainable developer known for launching the world’s first UN-recognised responsible real estate investment fund in 2002, and becoming the UK’s first real estate B Corp in 2016. The company has led the delivery of many transformative waterside schemes across the UK such as Ouseburn Valley Newcastle, Trent Basin Nottingham, and Dundashill Glasgow.

Project delivery consultant and construction experts Mace are assisting the city council as part of a multi-disciplinary team comprised of property consultants Montagu Evans, architecture and urban design group Metropolitan Workshop LLP and architectural practice shedkm.

The prime brownfield development scheme, one of the largest in northern England, has the backing of Homes England and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

Part of a wider 90-acre site, Festival Gardens’ Development Zone extends to 27 acres and sits just three miles south of Liverpool city centre.

Development will be centred on phased, residential-led plans and multigenerational living with a range of housing types and tenures, maximising delivery and including more than 20% affordable housing.

The council intends for the creation of a “thriving, sustainable, healthy and inclusive neighbourhood” with a”strong identity and sense of community”, developed using “innovative” design and building techniques to meet local housing need.

The announcement comes two years after the opening of the Southern Grasslands – Liverpool’s first public park of the 21st Century – a 37-acre green lung which adjoins the site and was created from the award-winning remediation of the development zone.

A Liverpool City Council meeting in September will seek permission for the authority to enter into contract with the new JV company. If approved, the council will work closely with Urban Splash and igloo to finalise legal agreements and agree a clear timeline for future stages of planning and development to bring delivery forward as quickly as possible.

Councillor Nick Small, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, says: “We are thrilled to announce Urban Splash and igloo Regeneration as our development partners for Festival Gardens — one of Liverpool’s most iconic regeneration sites.

“This visionary joint venture is a bold step towards delivering an amazing housing scheme befitting this stunning location.

“These developers have a fabulous track record in delivering outstanding innovative and sustainable projects of the highest order. I can’t wait for our residents to see the details over the coming months.”

Jonathan Falkingham, MBE, co-founder of Urban Splash, adds: “Festival Gardens is truly one of Liverpool’s best sites, and it’s a huge privilege to have been selected as Liverpool’s development partner on the creation of this new riverside neighbourhood.

“Partnering with igloo, a brand that shares our values, our goal is to develop an exemplary, green place, that is accessible and sustainable for everyone, creating a lasting, vibrant community.

“We are grateful to Liverpool City Council for this opportunity and look forward to working closely with local residents to shape a community that the city can be proud of. We can’t wait to get started.”

Peter Connolly, chief executive at igloo Regeneration, adds: “This appointment marks not only a huge milestone for us as an innovative joint venture partnership, but also for Liverpool City Region.

“Festival Gardens is one of the city’s most highly anticipated regeneration sites, and we aim to deliver a truly community-driven riverside neighbourhood that future residents and the wider community will be proud of.

“We have thoroughly enjoyed working with Urban Splash to create a unique approach for this project and believe our shared values that centre around people, place and planet will inspire inclusivity, wellbeing, and a vibrant way of life for the community.”

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