Peel lodges objection to rival tower scheme
Peel lodges objection to rival tower scheme
Feb 6 2008 by Barry Turnbull, Liverpool Daily Post
Artist's impression of the proposed King Edward Tower skyscraper _180
PROPERTY group Peel Holdings has lodged objections to proposals by rival developers Y1 and Richmont for a 54- storey tower on the site of the former King Edward pub, while pressing on with its own plans for a 60-floor skyscraper nearby.
The King Edward Tower scheme has been out for consultation and is due to be judged by city planning councillors next month. Peel failed in its bid to buy the pub site, but does own the adjoining industrial estate which is also earmarked for development.
Now it says plans to develop the site could conflict with its own regeneration schemes in the vicinity.
Peel’s development surveyor Ian Pollitt said: “Peel has objected as we believe that, if this development was carried out in isolation, it would prejudice the planning of the wider area and thereby impact on the potential significant regeneration benefits.”
Peel, which also owns the Port of Liverpool, has unveiled plans for a massive £5bn docklands scheme that will have at its heart a striking £300m 60-storey building called Shanghai Tower.
At the moment, a mini-masterplan is being drawn up for the docks – called Liverpool Waters – which will include details of what Peel is seeking to do with the King Edward Industrial Estate, where tenants have already been told they will soon have to go.
Meanwhile, a spokesman for Y1 developments said: “Y1 has approached Peel Holdings in the past to discuss overall developments for the area but their ideas were not fully worked up.
“Y1 is keen to see adjoining development at the industrial estate, but is aware of the ownership and infrastructure difficulties that will make swift progress difficult.”
Y1 says funding is in place for construction work to get under way once planning is approved. Y1 is owned by Formby businessman Ray Smith who tries to keep a low profile despite the fact he drives an instantly recognisable 253mph Bugatti Veyron supercar, priced at just under £1m.
Hoylake-based Richmont is run by Bill Beaumont – another low-profile property dealer.
Their plans for a skyscraper include 512 apartments, 25,000 sq ft of office space and a further 7,500 sq ft of retail and leisure space.
Y! and Richmont hit out recently at comments from Jim Gill, chief executive of Liverpool Vision, who said the age of the city tower block was now over.
barry.turnbull@liverpool.com
