THEY said it couldn't be done, but now it seems that where there's a will - and a mill - there's a way.
Heap's rice mill, which was saved from demolition by a Grade II listing just six weeks ago, is set to be be refurbished and may be turned into apartments, under new plans submitted to Liverpool City Council.
And the developer behind the idea is the same one who was wielding the wrecking ball just two months ago and whose plans sparked a race against time by heritage campaigners to keep the derelict building standing.
Pressing ahead with plans for the £130m residential-led scheme, Seychelles-based One Park Lane described the site in and around the rice mill, on Beckwith Street, as “one of the last prime waterfront sites in Liverpool city centre”.
It has come up with a new set of drawings which, it says, not only includes the refurbishment of the mill complex but which makes a feature out of its history, including tree planters in the streets designed to resemble rice sacks.
The old plan: No rice mill
If approved, the mill, described by Government watchdog English Heritage as "an important physical reminder of Liverpool's rich trading links and mercantile history" will sit among a development of 800 homes, many of them social housing rentals, and 12,000 sq ft of leisure and retail units, all arranged around a new public space provisionally called Baltic Square.
Originally, the plans saw seven towers, now there are four comprising a 14 storey block on the corner of Park Lane and Liver Street, and three 10 storey buildings, together with the mill buildings.
But only last month One Park Lane, which wanted to demolish the mill, warned that the scheme was not viable if the mill remained.
Spokesman Elliot Lawless, speaking to online 'zine The Business Desk, said: “ It’s important to understand that without grant to stabilise the building and help reconfigure its interior it simply isn’t viable in the current market. Values aren’t high enough to justify the investment needed.
He added: “There’s a further risk that our funding partners switch their focus to schemes that can offer a more immediate return.”
Now, following "constructive talks" the tack appears to have changed.
Adam Hall of Liverpool-based architects Falconer Chester Hall, said: “Since Heap’s mill was spot listed we have been working with English Heritage and Liverpool City Council to find a solution for designing the high quality new development which will complement and help secure the restoration of the mill. We believe the submitted application achieves this. We have been in a productive dialogue with all parties for a number of months now and are delighted with the outcome.
The new plan: with rice mill
“The scheme will open up the space in front of the mills, allowing the buildings to breathe. We’ve opted for a tree-lined avenue from the site’s Park Lane frontage to maximise the development’s permeability and I think the public will love Baltic Square. There are some really nice touches, such as the tree planters designed to resemble the rice sacks that used to be lugged around the site on men’s shoulders.”
He added: The homes will be for private rental and market rent through a social landlord, with the remaining block housing serviced apartments. In the mill there may be opportunities to develop larger apartments for sale."
Lawless said: “The funding issue was complicated by the challenges posed by the mill buildings’ condition but the very constructive discussions we’ve enjoyed with the council and English Heritage over the last three months has given us confidence we can bring the scheme forward. We have a number of other opportunities in Liverpool and I’m sure this project will stand us all in good stead.”
“Now the building is listed we are examining how we can ensure it is watertight and fit for the winter months and the tough weather ahead."
It is anticipated the council planning committee could be in a position to consider the application by October 28, OPL said in a statement.
From J Lewis Car Park
