Robbie Fowler's face adorned hoardings around Fox Street but houses never came to pass
How Angel Gardens could look (lawray architects)
How Angel Gardens could look (lawray architects)
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Construction of hundreds of new homes on the edge of Liverpool city centre could begin within weeks after the city council signed off on proposals for a site once backed by a Liverpool FC legend. After an initial proposal to build 300 homes on land at St Anne Street and Fox Street in Everton fell through four years ago, the site has lain unused.
Elatus Homes had secured the public backing of Robbie Fowler – known as God by Reds fans for his goalscoring feats over two spells at the club – with his likeness plastered on hoardings surrounding the site. That scheme fell apart, however, and never came to pass.
Now, city planners have given their consent for more than 250 new apartments to be built on the land by ASBBJ Real Estate UK Ltd. Paul Tunstall, agent on behalf of the applicant, said the developer wanted to start work “as soon as they can”.
The business sought the local authority’s permission to build two blocks of six and seven storeys. The vacant lot also sits just a stone’s throw away from the long-stalled Fox Street Village which was ravaged by fire in January last year.
Liverpool Council gave its permission to more than 130 new flats to complete the final stage of the residential scheme. Under the new plans, to be named as Angel Gardens, developers want to provide 254 dwellings, a reduction on the initially agreed scheme by Elatus.
However, none of these will be classed as affordable homes. This was met with concern by ward councillor Jane Corbett, who submitted her objection in writing.
Cllr Billy Marrat said while the scheme was welcome, it was "not good" that the homes would not meet the affordable threshold. According to a design and access statement, the two-block development will provide a "more diverse offer of unit sizes" ranging from one to three bedrooms.
A total of 95 parking spaces would be provided alongside a gym, cinema and cycle storage on site. Mr Tunstall said the business would seek to start work “within weeks” of securing the consent.
Of the 254 residential units proposed, 136 units are in the north block standing at seven storeys and 118 units in the six storey south block. The accommodation will include 164 one-bed units, 62 two beds and a further 28 three bedroom provisions.
Landscaping is proposed throughout the development which includes a central play area proposed between the apartment blocks. The former building, now demolished, was a warehouse which was most recently used for mixed retail and storage.
It had been hoped Elatus’ plans would lead to hundreds of new homes by autumn of 2021. This would have been known as St Anne’s Gardens having first been announced back in February 2020.
When hoardings with Fowler’s portrait vanished almost three years ago, a spokesperson for Elatus said this was owing to damage by vandals and poor weather. In 2022, the company said it remained committed to the development of housing in Everton but had been beset by delays resulting from the pandemic.
According to Companies House, a third notice to strike off the business was lodged in December 2023 but was suspended in January of last year.