Liverpool Council’s decision to renovate the Ogden’s Imperial Tobacco factory office has relieved Historic England and Brock Carmichael to finally start the conversion work.

The original Queen Anne-style 19th century office buildings are Grade II-listed and will therefore remain and be converted into 19 apartments with internal and external works but keeping many of the historical features.

Michael Cosser, partner at Brock Carmichael Architects, acted as advisor to Liverpool Mutual Homes and Countryside Properties and described the decision as excellent news that will only benefit the area.

Michael says: “The project will bring considerable new investment into the area as well as providing a wide range of new homes that will contribute to its continued regeneration.

“Since the factory closed in March 2007 it has been a difficult and time consuming challenge to bring forward a comprehensive plan that will see the site brought back into active and beneficial use. These exciting proposals will secure the long term future of the Grade II listed building and they will protect and enhance its setting.

“Brock Carmichael Architects has designed the conversion of the former HQ building. The conversion works themselves are relatively modest but they will see the important elements of the building both internally and externally being retained and refurbished.”

Brock Carmichael’s ground floor plans for the Grade II listed office building

Historic England were satisfied with Brock Carmichael’s plans to preserve the office building and return it to use.

A Historic England spokesperson says: “Our role is to advise Liverpool City Council on the impact the proposals would have on the Grade II listed Imperial Tobacco office building. We welcome the proposal to bring the historic office building back into sustainable use.

“We have advised that there should be the absolute minimum disturbance to key internal features of the office building.”

Speaking about the conversion designs, Michael says: “We have designed the mix of one and two-bedroom apartments to suit the layout and constraints of the building, which means that every apartment is unique.

“The large windows and high ceilings will provide the apartments with light and spacious rooms and notable existing features such as the areas of oak panelling and decorative fireplace surrounds are to be retained and incorporated.

Brock Carmichael’s first floor plans for the Ogden’s office building

“In the main circulation areas the decorative mosaic tile floor incorporating the Ogden crest, the foundation stone, and Jacobean style mahogany staircase will provide residents with a distinctive and historic interior of high quality design and craftsmanship”.

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