First images and details revealed for flagship housing scheme at Festival Gardens
The first image and details of a flagship, eco-friendly housing scheme at Liverpool’s iconic Festival Gardens have been revealed – which could see several hundred new homes created near to the Mersey waterfront.
Liverpool City Council is seeking to create an innovative and sustainable multi-generational neighbourhood on one of England’s biggest brownfield plots, which would complete the radical conversion of a former landfill site.
In a report to Liverpool City Council Cabinet next week, approval is being sought to enter into a development agreement with award-winning companies Urban Splash and igloo regeneration.
They were chosen following a procurement process launched last Autumn and together have established a joint-venture company which proposes to deliver 34 different styles of build on the stunning riverside location.
The report outlines a scheme which aims to maximise the use of renewable energy sources and cutting-edge construction techniques to minimise its carbon footprint, with a design approach that would showcase “a festival of housing”.
Pending Cabinet approval, it’s expected a planning application for phase one to be submitted in late 2026 for the creation of 440 homes. This would include 80 extra care and 110 affordable homes – far surpassing the council’s 20% target. If approved, build would begin in Spring 2027, with phase two and three to follow providing up to 800 homes in total.
The proposed scheme, which has the backing of Homes England and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, would see an un-parallelled blend of diverse designs to accommodate a multitude of needs such as co-housing, social rent, mixed tenure family homes, retirement living and self-build.
The groundbreaking project would celebrate both the legacy of the 1984 International Garden Festival and build on the colossal remediation of the 27-acre development zone. That saw more than 95% of the excavated materials recycled which in turn led to the creation of a new 37-acre park - Liverpool’s first of the 21st century.
The planning application would follow a major public consultation exercise which would also feature in-depth detail on community facilities, high quality public open space and other infrastructure to cater for the needs of a growing residential and working population.
The diversity of housing offer will come from several sub-developers that form part of the wider Urban Splash and igloo team.
Extra care will be delivered by Alpha Living, affordable homes by the Regenda Group. Co-housing by TOWN with MMC provided by Starship. Urban Splash Residential Fund, Urban Splash and igloo will also deliver elements of scheme.
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