Decision due on Baltic entrepreneurial hub

An ‘entrepreneurial hub’ could form part of a new mixed-use development in Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle if plans are approved next week.

The Elliot Group development, which is proposed for a cleared site between Norfolk Street and Watkinson Street, would feature a 563 sq m office space on the ground floor.

The workspace, which is described as an ‘entrepreneurial hub’ in plans submitted to Liverpool City Council, would form part of a part 15 and part 14-story development also including 253 apartments, basement parking and landscaping.

The scheme, which is recommended for approval, is the third phase in a predominantly residential development on the same block, with two other phases already on site.

A report to be discussed by Liverpool City Council’s planning committee on 19 April, which highlights Equity Group Limited as the applicant, says the Baltic Triangle Community Interest Company (CIC) has previously called for more information on the commercial aspect of the scheme to ensure it offers the size and specification of office space needed in the area.

The applicant is said to be “confident” its ‘entrepreneurial hub’ model will be successful in adhering to the needs of the area, and the report adds: “The head of planning considers the offer of 563 sq m of Class B1 commercial space to be a positive attribute of the scheme which ties in well with the council’s aspirations to promote job creating uses within the Baltic area.

“There is no commitment made to the space being reserved for digital or commercial businesses, however, the provision of the hub appears to have worked well in other schemes in the area.”

The scale of the development has previously been altered from the initially proposed 20 storeys down to 15, following negotiations with Historic England about concerns over how the building would impact on views of Liverpool Cathedral from across the water.