The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has announced the commencement of remediation work of the Littlewoods Building, England, UK.

The plan is to transform the former Littlewoods Building into a film and TV campus.

The authority has committed £17m to develop The Depot, consisting of two film and TV studios near Liverpool's Edge Lane, which is managed by the Liverpool Film Office.

The initiative aligns with Liverpool City Region mayor Steve Rotheram's vision to transform the area into a modern hub for filming and TV.

The first phase of the project, which has seen an investment of £8m, will include remediation and repair work.

This initial stage is anticipated to continue until mid-2024. It will set the fundamental structure for the main contractors to commence their work.

The first components to be built on the neighbouring land will be two new 20,000ft² studios designed for big-budget productions.

The new sound stages are expected to be constructed and operational within a year.

Last month, social impact developer Capital&Centric applied for planning approval for the project. The plans are anticipated to be reviewed by Liverpool City Council early next year.

Rotheram said: “The £17m we’ve invested into Littlewoods and The Depot will ensure that our area can continue to cater for every stage of the production process and attract the thousands of jobs and training opportunities it will bring with it.

“Today takes us one massive step closer to turning that vision into reality and staking our claim as the Hollywood of the North and I can’t wait to see this development start to take shape.”

Capital&Centric, as the funder, is working on the project alongside Liverpool City Council as the site freeholder.