Plans have been revealed for a new skyscraper that would be Liverpool’s tallest building.
Developers Prospect Capital and Wilcocks & Wilcocks say they want to build a 48-storey tower called Ovatus 2 on the site of the mirrored glass data centre at the corner of Old Hall Street.
It would be 146.6m (480ft) tall – eight storeys higher than the city’s current tallest tower, the nearby 140m West Tower. That would officially make it a “ skyscraper ”.
It would include 530 apartments.
The two companies have already submitted plans to Liverpool council for the neighbouring Ovatus 1 , a 27-storey tower.
They say the double tower project is already fully funded and so work on the first tower could start as early as April, subject to planning permission.
The Shop Direct data centre will become vacant in 2018, so work on the second taller tower could not start until then.
Craig Blackwell of Prospect Capital said: “Following on from our Ovatus 1 application at the same site in Liverpool we feel that Ovatus 2 not only compliments the original tower but also makes a big statement as to where the market in Liverpool is now moving.
“We will be working with exactly the same team on both towers and are excited to be part of what will be the tallest building in Liverpool.
“With the city making huge strides since the 2008 Capital of Culture year this development, with its key gateway status in Liverpool, not only changes the vista of our world famous waterfront but is part of the city’s further expansion.”
Mr Blackwell and Martin Wilcocks, of Wilcocks and Wilcocks, have worked together on several city projects including the conversion of the 1970s office block 8 Water Street into apartments.
They bought the 122 Old Hall Street site , including the Shop Direct data centre, for £3.25m last year.
Mr Wilcocks said the first Ovatus tower had secured enough pre-sales to ensure it would be fully occupied on completion.
He said: “This is a highly visible, landmark location that stands at the gateway to Liverpool’s World Heritage site. We’re working with a strong team that we know will deliver the build in a way that does justice to its potential.
“Hoder+Partners, Indigo Planning, WSP and PlanIt are already doing fantastic jobs at the planning stage and we look forward to working closely with them all to bring the planned addition to the waterfront skyline into reality.”
Ovatus 2 has been designed by Hodder+Partners.
Ascot Property Investments have been appointed as agents to the scheme.
Director Stuart Howard said: “After huge success in Liverpool we are delighted to be appointed as Master agent and be involved in such a high profile development.
“Ovatus Towers will take over as Liverpool’s most prestigious development greeting commuters at the gateway to Liverpool City Centre and boasting stunning views across the city skyline.
“We are preparing for a launch of Tower 1 in April/May of this year and have already generated huge interest from both our overseas and UK investors as this is such a high profile development.”