Chinese firm want major role in Peel's Liverpool Waters
A Chinese company is in talks to take a "substantial stake" in part of the multi-billion pound Liverpool Waters development.
Peel Holdings has said a Chinese firm of architects was interested in investing in one of the first buildings in its £5.5bn scheme.
Development director Lindsay Ashworth said the company was hopeful of finding a solution to the concerns so a planning submission could go ahead in June.
As the main sponsor at the World Expo, Peel has contributed £100,000 towards the £3.5m it is costing to build and staff the pavilion for six months.
Speaking at the Liverpool Pavilion at the World Expo in Shanghai, Mr Lindsay Ashworth said: "This firm of architects is talking about making a substantial share in a building they would design.
"China is very like England; you are friends first and then do business. We have to keep coming here and showing face.
"Forging relationships such as this is one of the main reasons Peel invested at the World Expo and we are pleased that this particular firm of architects is coming across to England to have talks with us.”
The waterfront scheme is proposed to transform derelict dockland to the north of the city into a vibrant commercial and residential hub.
Peel plans to construct one building at a time in a project that would take decades to complete, so securing early investment is a crucial step.
Mike Taylor, director of investment and enterprise at Liverpool Vision said: “Prospective deals such as this one are precisely why the city of Liverpool and the NWDA have chosen to invest in the World Expo.”
BACK
The Capital, 39 Old Hall Street, Liverpool L3 9PP Telephone: +44(0)151 600 2900
Email: info@liverpoolvision.co.uk