00:00Liverpool's former festival garden site is a step closer to becoming a new waterfront neighbourhood
00:05after the City Council approved legal agreements with its chosen development partners Urban Splash and Igloo.
00:11The plans propose around 800 homes on the south Liverpool site, including market and affordable housing.
00:17Up to 441 homes could be delivered in the first phase.
00:21The approval clears a legal hurdle, but construction's not ready to begin immediately.
00:26The partners will now carry out design work, consultation and business planning before submitting a planning application.
00:32The former International Garden Festival site has remained undeveloped for many years because of environmental and contamination challenges.
00:40Extensive remediation and enabling works were completed in January 2024 with funding from Homes England,
00:46the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Liverpool Council.
00:50The proposed neighbourhood is intended to include a range of homes and tenures,
00:53from affordable and shared ownership properties to homes for rent and sale, co-housing and later living.
00:59Developers say the scheme would also include green space, stronger connections between St. Michael's and the waterfront,
01:05and additional local amenities for existing residents.
01:08The project team sets sustainability targets and is working on biodiversity plans.
01:13The proposals draw on the legacy of the 1984 International Garden Festival,
01:17with an emphasis on landscape design and distinctive community.
01:20Liverpool City Council says the agreement helps move forward a major housing-led regeneration project
01:26and fulfil commitments linked to public grant funding.
