The £300m network of North Point Global projects that scar Liverpool

July 17, 2017

Troubled developer North Point Global has left Liverpool scarred with a patchwork of stalled developments at high-profile sites across the city.

The group was once heralded as a powerhouse of regeneration set to deliver two stunning gateways to the city centre and a portfolio of sister projects.

Yet after being hit with legal action by Liverpool Council and with its founder subjected to allegations, which he has always denied, of links to criminals, the company is now set to withdraw from its work due to its directors’ own belief that its reputation lies in tatters.

North Point Global announced it would dispose of its Liverpool projects in a detailed 1,100 word press statement sent to the ECHO on Monday afternoon.

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Blaming ECHO coverage and the “vitriolic” actions of Liverpool Council, the company suggested its position was no longer sustainable in the city.

But in reality its withdrawal changes little: many of its projects have laid dormant for months.

These are the schemes most closely associated with NPG:

NEW CHINATOWN

North Point Global’s flagship Liverpool scheme would have seen a new city district with hundreds of homes and Chinese businesses built on land below the Anglican cathedral.

Half of New Chinatown's apartments sold after 'passionately positive' reception from Chinese buyers

The £200m scheme aimed to deliver 790 residential units built alongside leisure units, a luxury spa and Chinese retail space.

Artists’ impressions showed a striking double-deck shopping arcade with Chinese shops and businesses below the blocks of flats, which would have stretched around the famous Wedding House.

NPG said it had seen “very strong interest” from Chinese investors.

Work started on phase one but stalled as NPG entered talks with Your Housing Group over a potential sale of the site.

NORTH POINT GLOBAL

The steel skeleton overlooking Pall Mall to the north of the city centre is the site of another massive NPG scheme that was the site of a bomb scare last year.

On its website NPG described the £90m North Point, which is set to include hundreds of flats as well as offices and a gym as its “signature development”.

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The scheme was originally to have had its own helipad, though that part of the plan was dropped before it won planning permission.

Last March roads were sealed off around the site after unexploded World War II devices were found there.

One old warehouse block and the walls of other buildings have been preserved while a large steel framed tower has been built behind. But work has been stalled for some time.

BALTIC HOUSE

Publicity /handout

Baltic House is one of three neighbouring developments in the Baltic Triangle listed on NPG’s website under the Gallery+ brand.

The site promises: “In addition to a diverse residential and student offer, the project will deliver start-up space for creative businesses – high quality public realm and a unique public art feature.”

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As at North Point, NPG planned to deliver “live work units” where people could live alongside their businesses.

NPG told the ECHO earlier in the year that “all 294 student accommodation units within Baltic House are now sold and the build is due to complete later this year.”

But this build has also stalled, leaving a concrete frame visible from Jamaica Street.

BERRY HOUSE and a STREET ART GALLERY

NPG’s website says Berry House would be “the second phase of three strikingly individual buildings” in the Gallery+ development.

It was to include 147 apartments.

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But most strikingly, it was to include a “street art gallery” containing what NPG told the ECHO earlier this year would be “an exclusive collection of works by contemporary street artist Banksy”.

Those works include the famous Rat, saved from the old White House pub, and the Love Plane from Rumford Street.

Work on Berry House was set to begin in Spring but the ECHO understands it has not yet started.

VIENNA HOUSE

Publicity /handout

Vienna House is the third phase of the Gallery+ development in the Baltic Triangle.

North Point Global’s website says simply: “Vienna House is a future project by North Point Global. Details to follow.”

A CGI on the page shows a new building facing onto Jamaica Street near the Baltic Creative buildings.

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