Part of historic Futurist facade could survive extensive Lime Street regeneration

Part of the historic Futurist Cinema facade is likely to be kept as part of extensive regeneration plans for Lime Street, Liverpool council chiefs insist.

In response to online images of how the street could look following its expected facelift, the authority sought to reassure campaigners it hoped to retain elements of the site in design plans.

The news comes after pictures appeared on the website of developers Neptune alongside a description stating that student accommodation and a hotel were planned as part of the regeneration scheme.

The images of a future Lime Street are thought to be concept ideas rather than finalised designs, but do reveal a glimpse at the thought process behind the scheme.

The pictures suggest the two pubs at either end of the development - The Crown and The Vines - will remain, but show a dramatic change in between, with student homes, shops and a hotel among possible new structures.

The images also point to the loss of the historic cinema facades of The Futurist and The Scala, though a short row of shops next to The Crown appear to survive and the project does include plans to refurbish the former ABC Cinema with the creation of a new auditoria and venue with associated restaurants.

Accompanying the Lime Street images on Neptunes website is a short summary, explaining the development.

It said: This major regeneration initiative is being undertaken on behalf of Regeneration Liverpool and involves the clearance of a series of run down buildings in this important city centre street and the development of a high quality scheme with retail hotel and student accommodation.

However, the council has now dismissed the images as merely illustrative and said a consultation would take place over any official proposals.

A spokesman said: The regeneration plans for Lime Street are still a work in progress and published images are merely illustrative. The city council and the developers are in fact looking to integrate a section of the existing Futurist Cinema facade into the design of any future development.

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Part of historic Futurist facade could survive extensive Lime Street regeneration