Tallest tower dream dashed
A PIONEERING £100m plan to build Merseyside's tallest tower, a 52-storey skyscraper, on Liverpool's waterfront was rejected yesterday by Local Government Secretary Ruth Kelly.
She rejected the recommendation of her own planning expert who wanted the tower at Brunswick Quay to be given the go-ahead.
The minister based part of her decision on possible damage to the city's World Heritage site, as well as views of the two city cathedrals from Wirral, which one critic last night described as "bizarre".
The decision was condemned last night by supporters of what would have been an iconic building by one of the world's best-known architects, Ian Simpson.
Applicants Maro were last night studying the details of the 58-page report by the government planning inspector, as well as the written decision by Ms Kelly's office.
Maro executives will this weekend be locked in talks to consider launching a legal challenge on Monday.
div>
A source close to the company said last night: "Maro convinced a highly respected and expert planner about the merits of the scheme, and in his eyes won their appeal, only to have it rejected in Whitehall."
Chris Ives, development director at Maro Developments, said: "We are extremely disappointed that the Secretary of State has decided to overturn the decision of the planning inspector whose recommendation was to approve our plans to regenerate Brunswick Quay.
"We will review the Secretary of State's reasons in detail and consider our next steps carefully. Maro remain committed to regenerate this gateway site."
Maro's plans for the South Docks at Brunswick Quay included a 52-storey glass tower, designed by Ian Simpson, who was responsible for the new Beetham Tower in Manchester, No1 Deansgate and the Urbis Centre. Plans included a boutique hotel, a large public piazza with shops and restaurants, as well as residential and commercial space.
Although it was the rejection of the scheme by Liverpool council planners which triggered the appeal, the city's cabinet member for regeneration, Cllr Peter Millea, was a long-term supporter of the plan.
http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0...name_page.html
Bookmarks