Decision due on high rise plans to transform part of Liverpool

The future of a massive development that could transform part of the city centre is set to be decided by Liverpool council next week.

Members of the authority's planning committee have been recommended to approve the step of the multi-million pound Pall Mall project in the city's commercial district.

The £200m is set to bring three high rise buildings and a hotel to the city centre.

Full planning permission could be granted next Tuesday for an eight-storey office block on the site, while outline approval could be given for other parts of the development including a hotel.

How the new buildings could look from Bixteth Street (Liverpool City Council)

The city council-led plans have proved divisive, with green space campaigners and neighbours angry because the project required Bixteth Gardens, a city centre public space, to be built over.

And councillors were met with hefty opposition to plans to get rid of the gardens as they approved plans to clear the site at a meeting earlier this year.

Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson has previously said the development was of 'huge importance' to the city centre - and the council promise the new development will include more public green space than was there before.

The mayor said: “I’m greatly encouraged by the thinking behind the scheme’s lay out and delighted the emphasis is as much on the quality of the place as it is on the design of the buildings.

Bixteth Street Gardens in Liverpool (Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)

“We’re looking at how we can develop the district and this scheme can act as a signpost for the future aspirations for the area.”

Numerous figures at the council, including Mayor Anderson and chief executive Tony Reeves, have argued that the shortage of high quality office space is one of the biggest challenges facing Liverpool's economy as it continues to grow.

The plans include new office space as well as the 280-bedroom hotel, associated retail and leisure amenities.

Kier Property and CTP hoped to start construction on the first office building and public realm next year if planning permission is granted, while work to clear the site has been ongoing since earlier this year.

That phase of the project is being funded by the city region's Strategic Investment Fund.