Plans have been revealed to build a new £50 million filming complex in Liverpool.

Capital & Centric have struck a deal with Twickenham Studios to establish the development in the former Littlewoods building.

Located alongside the restored 1930s art deco style building, the project will feature two new 20,000 sq ft sound stages as well as supporting workshops, wardrobe and prop storage and offices. In addition, 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.

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."

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."

It is expected that the studios will be operational in 2020.

(LM/MH)