Romal unveils vision for ‘little Amsterdam’ in Liverpool

Gregory Malouf, chief executive at developer Romal Capital, has unveiled a vision for an expanded residential offering at Liverpool’s Central Dock featuring 646 apartments and commercial space, aimed at creating “a little Amsterdam in the heart of Liverpool”.The developer has put forward a planning application for the site, which is Plot C02 at Liverpool Waters, featuring six blocks, two of which are 14 storeys with the remainder at 10 storeys.Designed by architect Ollier Smurthwaite, the 10-storey blocks are clad in red brick while the two taller blocks are clad in white stone.The developer’s intention is to create a “waterfront parkland” with extensive public realm, while there will also be a total of 2,500 sq ft of commercial or retail space at ground floor.Subject to planning approval, Romal is aiming to start work this year and complete in 2021, to fit with the completion of the nearby Isle of Man ferry terminal, scheduled for the same year.Malouf said: “Enabling unused dock space to be developed will unlock the key to creating a northern waterfront community which connects to the success of the Liverpool’s existing multi-use waterfront by enhancing accessibility, connectivity and public space in the city centre.“We are building on living waters, so it is incredibly important to focus on liveability first and foremost as it is a once in a lifetime opportunity to contribute to the success of a continuing thriving and dynamic city.“We are ensuring that the public and residents will benefit from lots of green space and anyone who enters the park can walk, cycle or get a water taxi along the rest of the waterfront.”“We want people to access what is currently off-limits to the public and give them the opportunity to stroll freely down the waterfront, take a leisurely bike ride or water-taxi to the Albert Dock for a coffee, or walk to the proposed Everton Stadium on match days.”Malouf added the scheme was designed to fit in with Quay Central, its 108-bed eight-storey apartment block, which is due to complete later this year. The developer is also on site at the second phase, Park Central, where work began in November last year.“Romal has the vision which dates back to my days of developing in Sydney, Australia and I want to create a little Amsterdam in the heart of Liverpool,” he added.“It’s about building a community and attracting those who desire a safe and welcoming place, alongside those needing family focused city centre living within an attractive waterfront parkland.”The Central Docks site falls within Liverpool Waters, where there are plans to bring forward 3,800 homes, nearly 1.7m sq ft of offices, a park, and 269,000 sq ft of retail, restaurants, and leisure, designed to sit with the existing Waterloo Warehouse.