Erika Rushton, Chair of Baltic Creative; Cllr Ann O’Byrne; Mark Lawler, Managing Director, Baltic Creative
Baltic Creative CIC has ambitious plans to boost Liverpool’s creative and digital sector, Getintothis’ Cath Bore reveals the latest developments.
A four storey red brick former seed storage warehouse on Norfolk Street and adjoining two storey building on Simpson Street have been acquired from Liverpool City Council, on a 125 year long lease hold.
Currently structurally unsound in parts with sections in considerable disrepair, Baltic Creative hope refurbishment of the building will be completed by September 2018, and developed into a 17, 000 square foot modern workspace, thanks to a £2.6m investment from The Charity Bank and European Regional Development Fund.
The ambition is to create the Baltic Triangle’s first digital technology hub, and that the scheme will support around 30 companies and 150 full time jobs.
Mark Lawler, Managing Director of Baltic Creative CIC says, “Liverpool’s tech sector is booming, with figures showing that Digital jobs in the north are growing 10x the rate of non-digital jobs. Here at Baltic Creative we are witnessing a huge demand for dedicated tech space.”
Read about plans to expand the Baltic Triangle over the next decade
Councillor Ann O’Byrne, Deputy Mayor of Liverpool adds, “The creative and digital sector is having a significant impact on the Liverpool City Region economy and this development will help create the space required to attract and support more high growth businesses and high value jobs.”
Plans have already been revealed for the Baltic Triangle to expand its commercial footprint by an additional 500,000sq ft over the next five to ten years, providing opportunities for new and existing digital and creative businesses.
Driven by Baltic Creative, which encompasses over 130 businesses, the area of Grade-II listed warehouses has grown into one of the most vibrant areas of the city, and with venues such as Camp and Furnace, District and Hangar 34 has become home to some of Liverpool’s must loved music festivals, including Threshold Festivaland Liverpool International Festival of Psychedelia.
The expansion will see the utilisation of spaces such as Norfolk Street, Brick Street, Tribeca and the Cains Brewery Village.
Along with the recently revealed plans for the Ten Streets Creativity Zone in the north docks area of the city, the coming years look set to be filled with opportunity for Liverpool’s creative businesses.
K2 Architects will design the scheme, to feature different sized studios, collaborative breakout areas, meeting rooms and co-working space.
The ground floor will also include a public café with events space and outdoor green area.
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