Canning Place, a former Merseyside Police headquarters in a prime location in Liverpool city centre is set to be redeveloped. BBC News reports that the 2.64 acre site is near Albert Dock, an area that has already undergone extensive regeneration with the creation of new residential, leisure, retail and office space in Liverpool.
The landmark building has been empty and up for sale for about three years, as Merseyside Police transferred to new headquarters at Rose Hill. It is understood that the government’s housing agency, Homes England, will purchase the Canning Place site. They have already submitted planning permission for a mixed use development.
The plans for the site include new homes, a hotel, retail and leisure facilities. The historic waterfront area is already attracting new investors, residents and jobs as it undergoes a multi-billion pound transformation.
Eamonn Boylan, chief executive of Homes England, said: “Canning Place is a historic site in a prime location on Liverpool’s iconic waterfront.”
He added: “Once the purchase of the site is completed, we will work with Liverpool City Council and Historic England to agree a masterplan that delivers a high-quality vision for the development that respects its waterfront setting, before selecting a development partner to transform the site into a mixed-use development fit for a new generation.”
The former police headquarters was operational as the base for Merseyside Police for over 40 years, but the relocation has been made as part of cost-saving measures. The proceeds from the sale will go towards modernising the police force’s other stations and buildings.