Construction on a new tourism, leisure and retail attraction in Liverpool will start within a year after Councillors approved plans for the £150m development of Cains Brewery Village, according to the Liverpool Express.

The first phase of the new one million square feet development, which will secure the city's iconic beer brand and grade II listed brewery for generations to come, is expected to be complete by summer 2016.

Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson described the project as an exciting and transformational development which would breathe new life into the city's Baltic Quarter.

Cains Brewery Village bosses are now seeking development partners and operators for the hotel and independent cinema elements of the scheme, as well as an upmarket quality supermarket operator for the food retail element.

The scheme will secure and create in the region of 800 full-time jobs and attract 2.5 million visits per annum. A net additional £25m of GVA economic benefit would be delivered to the city per year.

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The plans will see the restoration of the grade II listed brewery building to its former glory, described by planning officers 'as an outstanding example of Victorian industrial / commercial architecture and one of the finest examples of a purpose built brewery in Britain' housing the new Cains brewery, museum and event centre with a spectacular 'Sky Bar' in the roof which will offer views over the city and the river Mersey.

The building will also house a 94-room boutique hotel, courtyard bistro bar & restaurants and a large open plan retail hall for artisan food producers to make and sell their produce on site.

There will also be a designer retail market for independent fashion businesses and function rooms. The existing historic Brewery Tap pub will be restored and retained.

The plans also include a four-screen independent art-house cinema, a supermarket, health/beauty and fitness centre, up to 775 high quality homes or 2,500 student bedrooms and 500-plus car parking spaces.

The independent art-house cinema is to have treated copper panels on the outside to reflect the copper vessels traditionally used as part of the brewing process.

The new Cains brewery which will be installed will enable the business to brew a full range of international craft beer styles for consumption in the UK and export around the world. It will also be an integral part of the wider destination.

Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said: "The Cains Brewery Village scheme will transform one of the city's most important historic buildings and create a new tourist destination capable of holding food, craft and cultural events which will complement the city's existing retail and leisure offer. It will also be a perfect neighbour to the vibrant cultural community in the Baltic Quarter. We're delighted this scheme is progressing."

(CD/JP)