New plans submitted for Liverpool’s Parr Street
Parr Street Studios owners issue statement following planning application, Getintothis’ Peter Guy reports exclusively on the news.
Parr Street Studio owners Steve Macfarlane, Thomas Lang and Gary Millar have issued a statement following a new planning application was made.
Under the new plans 33-55 Parr Street would be completely transformed resulting in a six to eight-storey development incorporating a hotel and 114 apartments.
Macfarlane and Lang are musicians while Millar is Deputy Mayor of Liverpool & Mayoral Lead Business & International Relations.
Parr Street Studios owner, Steve Macfarlane told Getintothis: “This forced lockdown has hit us hard and reluctantly, we cannot see a way to continue with our level of investment in Parr Street – hence it is sadly an appropriate time for us to sell.”
A planning application by local contractor PJ Percival Construction has been submitted to Liverpool City Council which would see the existing buildings on that plot being demolished.
These include the likes of Parr Street Studios, live music venue Studio 2 and popular Ropewalks rock and roll bar The Attic.
In house Parr Street Studios producer Chris Taylor oversees recordings on a daily basis working with the likes of The Coral, She Drew The Gun, Bill Ryder-Jones, Blossoms, Red Rum Club and Clean Cut Kid.
Full report on Parr Street Studios, and Ropewalk buildings to be demolished if plans approved
Under the plans, the roof terrace spanning Parr Street Studios plus the lower floors, as well as a hotel, would also be removed.
Parr Street Studios have been based at 33-45 Parr Street, Liverpool since 1991.
Prior to this they were known as Amazon Studios based in Kirby.
In 2006 the freehold, business and equipment were purchased by a consortium of local businessmen as a short-term stop gap to turn around the business, with the intention of selling on after 5 years (in 2011).
She Drew The Gun and James Skelly at Parr Street Studios
Macfarlane added: “We have already made every effort over a number of years to find a buyer for Parr Street as ‘a going concern’ without success.
“It is also recognised that the recording studio business the building is known for, were and continue to seek alternative space.”
The principal directors privately funded part of the purchase and significant redevelopment in the building, particularly in respect of the offices, one of the 2 bars and the hotel rooms.
If Liverpool loses Parr Street Studios it loses the right to be called City of Music
The release issued to Getintothis added, “Parr Street Studios has been up for sale for some time – originally in 2013, again in 2016 and in 2018. The current owners tried throughout this time to find a buyer that would take on the business as a going concern.
“They were willing to hear serious offers from individuals, syndicates and companies (local, national and international) and pursued good faith discussions, with the usual legal expense, on multiple occasions, but all without success.
“The current owners also recognise that the business & building would require considerable investment to upgrade facilities and this is something they are no longer in a position to fund. Add the significant uncertainty caused by the current coronavirus situation and it leads to a decision to sell.
“More recently, two of the owners have continued to try and find a buyer for Parr Street Studios, whilst simultaneously understanding from the major tenant running the recording studios that they were actively seeking alternative premises – preferably purpose built and capable of using latest advances in their industry.”
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