Plans to convert one of Liverpool's most iconic department stores into nearly 200 flats will be debated and decided on next week.
The proposals would see Audley House, the current site of TJ Hughes on London Road, converted and extended into 199 apartments. The famous building was created in phases between 1889 and 1913 and TJ Hughes has operated from it since 1927.
Plans were announced last year to convert and extend Audley House into nearly 250 apartments. This has since been reduced to a total of 199 apartments in the current plans, which come from developer Vision International Group Limited.
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The plans to convert Audley House would aim to retain much of the building’s character – including its striking tower and other significant features of its façade. The latest plans have seen a reduction in height by one storey from previous proposals to allow the existing façade details to become more prominent.
If approved, the proposals would see Audley House converted into 129 one bed apartments as well as 70 two-bed apartments. There would also be a gym on the lower ground floor.
The revised plans – which include a vertical extension of one to two storeys on the building as well as a ground floor café and other facilities – will be discussed at a meeting of Liverpool Council's Planning Committee when it meets on Tuesday February 21.
Officers are recommending the plans are approved by the committee subject to a number of conditions and an agreement that will see the developer pay £30,000 towards an assessment of possible on-street parking controls in the area.
There have been two objections received to the plans for Audley House based on the impact that demolition and construction works would have on local residents and worries about existing refuse issues being exacerbated by the new development.
The Fabric District Community Interest Company – which aims to promote and shape London Road and the surrounding area – said it believes the principle of development of the building should be considered alongside other uses.
The group believes the ground and lower floors could be redesigned to accommodate commercial uses to serve the growing number of independent businesses in the area. They also expressed some concerns about the small size of the planned apartments and the views they will have.
In its assessment, the council's planning department said: "On balance, the proposed retention of the existing building and the construction of rooftop extensions is considered to result in a benefit to the vitality and viability of this district centre, providing a mixture of commercial and residential uses in a sustainable location.
"Whilst not all amenity standards are met, the proposal provides for a suitable mix of flat sizes, of appropriate size, allowing for an acceptable level of amenity for occupiers. The proposed ground floor uses will help to maintain an active commercial element which is important in this district centre."
It has previously been reported that TJ Hughes is looking to move to new premises, closer to the city centre of Liverpool. Work is already ongoing at the building next door to Audley House. Hughes House is being redeveloped into around 250 apartments.
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