Plans to redevelop Wolstenholme Square as part of a £40m project have been approved by Liverpool City Council’s planning committee.

The Elliot Group project will incorporate residential, commercial, leisure and retail spaces around two sides of the square, as well as a new passageway through to Seel Street. The proposals were given the green light earlier today and work is expected to start on the Falconer Chester Hall-designed scheme in March 2016, with completion slated for phase one in September 2017.

Developer Elliot Lawless says: “I’m delighted with the decision. The development will deliver a huge improvement to what is a tatty and unappealing corner of Ropewalks, animating the streets and bringing new businesses into the area.

“Liverpool council provided clear guidance throughout the process which helped us improve our proposals. They have a very investor-friendly approach which possibly explains why there are so many tower cranes on the skyline right now.

“We can now announce that we will be working with world-renowned sculptor Jorge Pardo to refurbish his popular Penelope installation in the square. We’ve also asked him to work with us on elements of our wider landscape design, much as Gaudi did in Barcelona’s Plaça Reial.  He can bring something fresh and quirky to things like the street lamps and seating and I’m looking forward to seeing what he comes up with.”

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