The Littlewoods Building, a striking Art Deco masterpiece, has long been a symbol of Liverpool’s rich architectural heritage. Its bold design, with nearly a kilometre of stucco-clad façade, stands as a testament to the city's 1930s aesthetic. Despite its grandeur, the building has sat unused for decades, its future uncertain, and even threatened by demolition. However, all that is about to change, as ambitious plans to restore and repurpose this iconic structure are now well underway. Developers Capital & Centric have taken centre stage in a bid to reinstate the building to its former glory but with a very modern twist. These plans not only aim to bring back the glamour of its heyday but also to transform the site into a world-class media hub, placing Liverpool firmly on the global stage as the “Hollywood of the North.”
A Rich History and Enduring Legacy
Built in 1938, the Littlewoods Building holds a unique place in Liverpool's history. Originally constructed as the headquarters for the Littlewoods Pools, it became a household name across the UK, particularly in the mid-20th century. Littlewoods Pools was the precursor to the National Lottery, with 16 million weekly players at its peak. The Pools revolutionised the nation’s relationship with football, giving millions of working-class families a chance to win life-changing sums of money through their weekly predictions on football matches.
The building’s historical significance extends far beyond its connection to the Pools. During World War II, it played a pivotal role in the war effort, manufacturing an array of essential items, including a staggering five million parachutes. Its vast interior was one of the few spaces large enough to fold these parachutes. The building’s contribution to the war effort is a lesser-known chapter in its story, but one that adds to the deep sense of pride and nostalgia that many in Liverpool feel towards the site.
Years of Decline and the Threat of Demolition
Despite its illustrious past, the Littlewoods Building has faced many challenges over the years. Since closing its doors in 1994, the building has remained largely vacant. A major fire in 2018 caused extensive damage to the structure, further threatening its future. For many years, it seemed as though the building would be lost forever, a victim of decay and neglect.
However, the tides have turned. In partnership with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Liverpool City Council, an ambitious redevelopment plan has been set in motion. The project aims to restore the building to its former glory while repurposing it to serve as a hub for the creative industries. The £70 million investment promises to breathe new life into the site, creating a vibrant space that the local community and creative professionals alike can benefit from.
The Transformation into a Media Hub
The redevelopment of the Littlewoods Building is set to solidify Liverpool's growing reputation as a major player in the global film and television industry. The city has long been a popular filming location, providing the backdrop for internationally renowned productions such as Peaky Blinders, Captain America, The Batman, and Fantastic Beasts. The Littlewoods Project will add to this momentum, creating a purpose-built media hub that will attract big-budget productions from around the world.
The transformation of the building will include state-of-the-art facilities for film and TV production, including two brand-new 20,000 sq.ft sound stages. These indoor studios will provide filmmakers with the space and infrastructure needed to produce high-quality content on a large scale. Alongside the sound stages, the project will feature workspaces for creative businesses, workshops, studio support facilities, and offices. The West Wing of the building, for example, is set to include office space and possibly an education facility, complete with roof terraces offering stunning views of the city.
A Space for the Community
While the primary focus of the redevelopment is on the creative industries, the Littlewoods Project is also designed to serve as an asset for the wider community. Plans include a green courtyard, offering a welcoming space where locals can relax and spend time. Additionally, a screening and performance space, open to the public, will be housed in the building’s hangar. This space will include five cinema screens, a performance venue, and a food hall, creating a vibrant cultural hub that will attract visitors from across the region.
Greenery and new landscaping will pay tribute to Liverpool’s rich screen history, with nods to local stars who have contributed to the city’s reputation in the entertainment industry. The project will also reinstate the iconic clock on the building’s tower, which has long been a recognisable feature of the Liverpool skyline.
A Vision for the Future
The redevelopment of the Littlewoods Building marks an exciting new chapter in Liverpool’s ongoing regeneration story. Work is already underway, with the first phase of the project focused on stripping out damaged sections of the building and preserving its structural integrity. Remediation teams are hard at work ensuring that the building’s art deco façade and other historical features are carefully restored.
The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has committed £17 million to the project, including an £8 million investment for the first phase. When completed, the project is expected to create thousands of jobs in the creative industries, providing opportunities for future generations and securing Liverpool's place as a leading destination for media production.
For decades, the Littlewoods Building stood as a faded reminder of Liverpool’s past, its grand Art Deco design overshadowed by years of neglect. However, the ongoing restoration and repurposing of this iconic building signals a bright future ahead. The transformation into a media hub will not only revive a key piece of the city’s heritage but also position Liverpool as a key player in the global film and television industry. By combining the building’s rich history with a forward-thinking vision, the Littlewoods Project will ensure that this Art Deco gem continues to play a starring role in Liverpool’s story for years to come.
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