Plans to transform Strawberry Field into a new visitor centre and work hub for young people have been given the go-ahead.

Liverpool City Council’s planning committee approved The Salvation Army’s ambitious plans, which have been described as the “final piece in Liverpool’s Beatles jigsaw”, at a meeting yesterday (14 November).

The 1970s buildings at the former children’s home in Woolton will now be demolished to make way for the scheme which will include a visitor experience where people can find out more about John Lennon and his connection to site.

According to The Salvation Army, the “very latest technologies” will be used to create an exhibition where visitors will enter a space where “nothing is real”.

A training and work placement hub for young people with learning disabilities and a new pedestrian gate will also be created.

Major Drew McCombe, divisional leader for The Salvation Army, North West, says: “We are absolutely delighted to have received full planning permission at our Strawberry Field site for our vision.

“We are incredibly excited to have received planning permission as we now look to make our vision a reality. The support from the local community, along with Beatles fans has been wonderful and we are very grateful.

“We believe the project has the potential to make a tangible difference to the lives of young people with learning disabilities and their families by equipping them with the skills to find meaningful employment.”

Jules Sherwood, development manager for The Salvation Army, adds: “We believe Strawberry Field is the final piece of The Beatles jigsaw in Liverpool and once open will offer a magical experience to visitors who will be able to follow in the footsteps of the young John Lennon.

“The very latest technologies will be adopted to create an exhibition where visitors will enter a space where ‘nothing is real’ as they experience the wondrous, intertwined histories of the house, John Lennon and the writing and recording of the iconic song.

“The gardens will be filled with messages of peace and love which we hope will inspire visitors as Lennon himself was inspired.”

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