LIVERPOOL is set to become the new home for the big and small screen, with plans unveiled for a Hollywood standard filming complex. CAPITAL&CENTRIC, owners of the city’s iconic former Littlewoods building, have today announced a deal with the UK’s oldest film studios, Twickenham, to expand to the city.

World-renowned Twickenham Studios

Twickenham Studios is famous for its work on movies such as ‘Blade Runner’, ‘The Italian Job’, ‘Gandhi’ and more recently ‘The Martian’ and ‘Baby Driver’.

First look images of the £50 million ‘Littlewoods Studios’ show new development alongside the restored 1930s art deco style building. The project will feature two new 20,000sq.ft sound stages alongside supporting workshops; wardrobe and prop storage; and offices.

In a major coup for Liverpool, regeneration specialists CAPITAL&CENTRIC will restore the Edge Lane building, once home to the Football Pools. Twickenham Studios, who have signed an agreement for lease on 85,000sq.ft, will become the hub’s first anchor tenant. The deal is subject to planning permission.

CAPITAL & CENTRIC

Tim Heatley, co-founder of CAPITAL&CENTRIC, said:
“Littlewoods is one of Liverpool’s most loved buildings – it’s only fitting that we give the city something they’ll be proud of. Twickenham Studios couldn’t be a better fit. They’ll bring a century’s worth of film-making heritage and help to write a new chapter for the creative industries in and around Liverpool.

“Relighting the excitement and buzz around Littlewoods for a new generation of creative people will be incredible. Our legacy will be Liverpool becoming a proper powerhouse for the film industry, one that will inspire the city’s young people to take up a career in production.

“We’re taking what is an important part of Liverpool’s social fabric and creating something that has been on the city’s wish list for a long time. We couldn’t be prouder.”

The deal will bring a respected name in the film industry to Liverpool. Twickenham’s London studio was the UK’s largest when set up in 1913, and went on to be the setting for a roster of screen classics – including the Beatle’s ‘Help’ and ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ in the 60s.

Maria Walker, Chief Operating Officer of Twickenham Studios, said:
“This is a major milestone in our history. When we saw the vision for Littlewoods we knew we had to be a part of what will be an incredibly special place.

“Liverpool’s architecture, accessibility and can do attitude sees film-makers return to the city time and time again. With the added benefit of our studios, they’ll have access to gold-standard interior facilities right on the doorstep of unique exterior locations.

“It will be great to see Liverpool become an international focal point for TV and film.”