February
Hello and welcome to February’s YM Liverpool!
First up this month I’m thrilled to bring you my chat with Wallasey-born writer, actor, and director Jade Franks, whose semi-autobiographical play Eat the Rich (but maybe not me mates x) was a massive hit at last summer’s Edinburgh Fringe.
I caught up with Jade in the middle of a sold-out run at London’s Soho Theatre to discuss her Wirral roots, adapting the show into a television series for Netflix, and why she thinks making people laugh can often be the best way to make them listen.
On the property front, we take a closer look at a stunning penthouse in Stanley Dock’s Tobacco Warehouse, step inside a collection of stylish contemporary apartments in the heart of the business district, and highlight a spacious four-bedroom semi at a popular new-build development in Netherton.
Elsewhere, Annie S embraces spring’s must-have trend with her latest fashion picks, Robin Brown reviews new Pakistani restaurant Fozia’s at Grand Central, and Heather Marsh shows how to fight the winter gloom with vibrant colour fixes that brighten gardens – and spirits alike.
And finally, as the city celebrates Chinese New Year, Jane Clare recommends four aromatic white wines to match the bold, expressive flavours of the nation’s cuisine.
Enjoy!
Editor Lawrence Saunders editor@ymliverpool.com
Design Marten Sealby
ADVERTISING Sales 0151 316 0210 sales@ymliverpool.com
DISTRIBUTION Enquiries 0151 316 0210
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LAWRENCE SAUNDERS Editor
Let’s be FRANK(S)
Writer, actor and director Jade Franks talks class, comedy and coming home, as her award-winning semi-autobiographical hit play Eat the Rich (but maybe not me mates x) heads to the Everyman
words lawrence saunders
You’re just finishing the first run of Eat the Rich at London’s Soho Theatre. How’s it been going?
Yeah, it’s been good. It’s been hectic and I’m absolutely knackered but no, it’s been really nice!
Whereabouts on Merseyside did you grow up?
Wallasey – I’m a wool! I did some classes in LIPA when I was a kid, so I spent a lot of time in Liverpool.
For our readers, could you briefly explain what your play Eat the Rich is about?
It’s a semi-autobiographical one-woman comedy drama about my experience of going to study at Cambridge University. I’d worked in a call centre on Old Hall Street for years before university, so when I got to Cambridge I got a job as a cleaner. I then found out you’re not actually allowed to have a job there, because you’re expected to be studying 40 hours a week.
The show explores that ‘hidden identity’ dynamic – trying to make sure no one found out I was working – alongside the embarrassment of having to do that job, experiences of classism, and people being rude about me being from the North.
Can you talk us through how the play came together, from the writing process to its debut at the Fringe?
It started off as a stand-up set I did when I finished Cambridge. While working in theatre, I realised the show would actually work better on
stage – it could say more and reach the audience I wanted. I started by gathering a team of people I’d worked with before, or people I knew were really good at what they did, and asked them to read about 20 pages. I didn’t really work properly on the script until the summer of the Fringe, but by then I had those 20 pages to build on, as well as a video of a scratch performance, which we sent off with all the applications. After that, it was a lot of intense writing and juggling it around work and other commitments.
The show was a massive hit at the Fringe – with multiple five star reviews and award wins. Why do you think it was received so well by audiences and critics alike?
At its heart, it’s about feeling like an outsider. Regardless of class or identity, people experience that feeling all the time – in jobs or when they move to a new city. So there’s something in it that a lot of people can relate to.
At the same time, without wanting to diminish anything we achieved with the show, I do think that at the Fringe there simply aren’t that many working class stories, largely because it’s so inaccessible to put a show on up there. My voice ended up standing out in a sea of more middle-class stories and writers – not that there’s anything wrong with that at all, because there’s so much brilliant work at the festival – but it did make the show feel a bit more distinctive. If the festival were in Liverpool, and everyone could afford to do it, I think there’d be loads of stories like mine that would be just as successful.
It’s also just incredibly expensive to put a show on at the Fringe. Rents get hiked up, a lot of Edinburgh residents leave the city and rent their places out, and you’re looking at thousands and thousands of pounds just on accommodation, before you even factor in all the other fees involved in putting on a show.
Reviews have highlighted the show’s balance between humour and discomfort. Was it your aim to make audiences laugh but then maybe question why they were laughing?
Exactly. Earlier drafts were much angrier and were hitting people over the head with the politics a little bit. But as I was redrafting, I started thinking about how I wanted audiences to feel. I knew I’d be performing to a lot of people who’d been to Cambridge and who exist within the very worlds I’m critiquing.
I realised that if you can make people laugh, they’re far more likely to actually think about what you’re saying, rather than switching off because they feel they’re being lectured. I don’t think people respond well to being told how to think, particularly at the moment. We’re
living in quite divisive times, and people are sometimes defensive about their beliefs and where they come from.
So if I’d gone in all guns blazing, I don’t think anyone would have listened in the way that I hope they have.
How true is the play to your actual experiences at Cambridge?
There’s definitely a bit of creative licence, but about 90% of it is true and rooted in things that actually happened. I gave the character my own name simply because I didn’t know what else to call her, but she’s really a heightened version of myself. Many of the other characters are amalgamations of people I’ve met, including people from home. At its core, though, the truth of it is that most of what you see did happen.
What can you tell us about the deal with Netflix and Philip Barantini to develop Eat the Rich into a TV series?
I can tell you a bit! The news was leaked by Deadline, and I remember thinking, ‘Who told them that? How did they find out?’ But yes, we’re in development at the moment, which means I’m creating a television version of it with Phil Barantini. He’s such a legend, and being able to make it with someone from Merseyside and really fly the flag for the area feels incredibly special. He’s been so supportive throughout. Hopefully, by the end of the year, we’ll have a clearer idea of what’s officially going to happen with it.
Are you excited to bring the play here to Liverpool? I imagine you’ll have plenty of friends and family in the audience?
Yeah! The original dates sold out, so we’ve added another show on 15 April. I’m just so excited to bring it home. I’ve had quite a few scousers in the audience, and my family have seen it too, and it feels different when people really understand the references and can see themselves in the character in a way that I think London audiences might not. I can’t wait to come home.
At the Fringe there simply aren’t that many working class stories. My voice ended up standing out in a sea of more middle-class writers.
Do you get to come home much at the moment? I know you’re a big Liverpool FC fan – do you get to many games?
My dad’s still got the season ticket! We share it between my siblings, my dad’s mates and me, so I don’t get much of a look-in at the moment – we have to book our matches well in advance. I haven’t been to Anfield yet this season, but I’m hoping that when I’ve got a bit more time and I’m home in the spring, I’ll be able to get to a game.
Away from Eat the Rich, is there anything else you’re currently working on that you’re excited about?
I’m currently writing a new play with the Everyman as part of their Playwrights’ Programme. There’s no guarantee it will be staged, but I’m part of a really strong group of writers who are all supporting each other as we develop our next plays. I’m also on the BBC Voices scheme, where they’re helping me develop some television drama ideas.
Merseyside has a strong tradition of producing socially engaged writers. How does it feel to be part of that lineage?
I don’t think I’m quite there yet! But I’d be very proud if one day my name could sit alongside people like Willy Russell and others who have come from the region.
Eat the Rich (but maybe not me mates x) is at the Everyman from Wednesday 15 – Saturday 18 April
Rare opportunity to join Baltic Triangle creative and tech hub
Elevator Studios
accommodates a range of music, digital and gaming businesses, reflecting the area’s continued growth
PARLIAMENT STREET’S Elevator Studios has a limited number of large workspaces available, presenting a rare opportunity for businesses looking to join one of the Baltic Triangle’s most established creative and technology hubs.
The building, formed from a series of restored warehouses, offers accommodation suited to different stages of business growth. Larger workspaces are occupied by expanding companies including gaming studios, music-related businesses and tech teams, while smaller studios are home to independent creatives and start-ups working across digital, design and media sectors.
Liverpool’s wider creative economy.
Music activity remains a regular feature of the building. Dedicated session rooms are used for rehearsals by a range of emerging and established bands, contributing to the area’s wider creative economy.
Opportunities to secure larger space within the building are infrequent, reflecting sustained demand for scalable workspace in the Baltic Triangle. Recent lettings have introduced new businesses to an established mix of creative, tech and commercial occupiers, reinforcing Elevator’s role within
Alongside workspace, Elevator also accommodates public-facing commercial tenants including Arts Bar Baltic, Giant Bikes and The Hair Studio, helping maintain a steady connection between the building and the surrounding neighbourhood.
Ellis Michael, commercial asset manager at CERT, says: “A shared passion for creativity and a desire to tap into and contribute to
On your bike: Curlett Jones Estates cycles for Whitechapel Centre
Staff spent a day riding the equivalent distance from Liverpool to Stoke-on-Trent, raising vital funds for homelessness charity
CURLETT JONES ESTATES has raised £1,300 for The Whitechapel Centre, a Liverpool charity supporting people experiencing homelessness and those seeking to live independently.
The fundraising event, held at the company’s Waterloo office, saw the team cycle the equivalent distance from Liverpool to Stoke-onTrent. The challenge highlighted not just physical endurance, but teamwork and community spirit, with all staff taking part to reach their collective goal.
Anvil Gym Southport generously donated the exercise bike used for the event, helping make the fundraiser possible.
The Whitechapel Centre provides a range of services, including emergency accommodation, advice, and long-term support to help individuals rebuild their lives and achieve independence.
A spokesperson for Curlett Jones Estates said: “We are proud to support a charity that has such a meaningful impact across Liverpool and the surrounding areas.
“We’d like to thank everyone who donated, supported, and encouraged us throughout the Bike for Whitechapel challenge. Raising £1,300 is a fantastic achievement, and it wouldn’t have been possible without your generosity.
“We’d also like to say a huge thank you to Anvil Gym Southport,
the community is what makes Elevator the unique working environment that it is.
“Tenants often make use of the network of creatives at Elevator, whether it’s collaborating together on projects, grabbing a drink together in Arts Bar or simply engaging with the special community we have here.
“It is great to see tenants meeting and working together, and we can’t wait to welcome new businesses to the building soon.”
Located opposite Cains Brewery Village and close to the proposed Baltic Triangle train station, Elevator Studios – managed by CERT – currently offers workspaces ranging from 2,650 to 3,095 sq ft.
Visit elevatorstudios.com to enquire
who generously donated the exercise bike used for the fundraiser. Their support played a key role in helping us bring this event to life, and we’re extremely grateful for their generosity.
“At Curlett Jones Estates, we believe in giving back to the communities we serve – and this fundraiser is something we’re incredibly proud of.”
Domestic abuse –Consult the legal experts
At Paul Crowley & Co solicitors, we are committed to helping end domestic abuse for good. If you are a victim of domestic abuse, our dedicated team of family law experts is here to help
The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (year ending March 2025) suggest that up to 3.8 million adults in England and Wales may experience domestic abuse each year, with over 1.4 million related incidents and crimes recorded by police and more than 50,000 resulting in prosecutions. Domestic abuse can have a profound impact on a victim’s physical and emotional wellbeing, as well as on their family life, financial security, and livelihood.
What is domestic abuse?
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (DAA), which came into force in January 2022, gives a legal definition of domestic abuse. Section 1 requires that the people involved are over 16 and “personally connected”, for example, former partners or relatives.
There are different types of behaviour which now constitute domestic violence:
• Physical or sexual abuse
• Violent and threatening behaviour
• Psychological or emotional abuse
• Controlling behaviour – acts which threaten, humiliate or intimidate in order to harm, punish or frighten the victim
• Coercive control – acts designed to make a person subordinate and dependent by isolating them from support, regulating their behaviour and depriving them of independence
• Economic abuse – any behaviour which substantially affects your ability to gain and use money or obtain goods
What can I do as a victim of domestic abuse?
If you are experiencing domestic abuse and are in immediate danger, always call 999 for assistance. You should contact the police and report the abuse as a crime.
At Paul Crowley & Co we can apply for an order on your behalf under the Family Law Act 1996:
• Non-Molestation order: This is an order which prevents your abuser from coming within a specified distance of you and your property or communicating with you in any way
• Occupation order: This is an order which enforces your right to live in the family home and lets you control who comes into your property
If the perpetrator of the abuse breaks the rules set out in a non-molestation order, it can lead to their arrest and a custodial sentence being imposed.
What is a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO)?
Introduced by the DAA 2021 legislation, domestic violence protection notices are served by the police on the perpetrator and then approved by the magistrates’ court. They give the victim immediate protection after an incident.
The restrictions in the notice appear as a domestic violence protection order which can apply for 14-28 days, and can require the abuser to leave and stay
away from the victim’s home and surrounding area.
Why choose Paul Crowley & Co solicitors:
Here at Paul Crowley & Co, we understand that domestic abuse is a very sensitive topic, and we will not pressure you into taking any action that you aren’t comfortable with. Our solicitors are here to listen without judgement to your story and find out the best way of proceeding safely.
Although our main goal is to achieve justice for victims, we cover other cases too. For example, if you believe you have been falsely accused of being a perpetrator of domestic violence, our team will hear you out and help you achieve justice.
Paul Crowley & Co… on your side If you’ve been a victim of domestic abuse or violence and want to know more about your legal options, Paul Crowley & Co solicitors are here to help. Contact one of our friendly team of family law solicitors
Edwina Harkin Director/Head of Family, Paul Crowley & Co
Fozia’s at The Grand Central
By Robin Brown | Pakistani | £ | 35 Renshaw Street,
No-one knows what to do with Grand Central. The elaborate Art Nouveau building has been a church, a cinema and a concert hall in its 121 years on the thrumming Renshaw Street. In its current form, Grand Central was first an ornate £2 million nightclub, then a home for the Quiggins diaspora. An oft-deserted food hall followed, then Smokie Mo’s, all big-screen football, tribute acts and ‘The Fat Montys’ (The Full Monty but, well, fuller). When the doors last closed in 2022, landlord Nextdom must have wondered if the site was doomed.
Enter Fozia Choudry, a force of nature in the form of a small Pakistani auntie. Over five years the cook-turned-proprietor has flipped a shipping container on Lodge Lane to a restaurant on Picton Road. She now holds the keys to Grand Central, along with an ambitious plan to host a restaurant and wedding venue in the vast, three-level building.
I would not bet against her, but even Fozia admits to having doubts. The planned all-you-can-eat buffet has already been swapped out for the familiar à la carte menu, albeit with some new additions. Some terminally online malcontents have also taken exception to the temerity of a business owner redecorating the space they are renting.
L1 2SF
Frankly the most recent makeover makes the place feel fresh, inviting and sympathetic. The wrought iron is still there, picked out in eye-catching white. All the design flourishes people loved about this building – choppy-sea ceilings, overblown plasterwork, glorious friezes – remain, now alongside flower walls and inverted umbrellas. If you were hoping for the sticky floors of the Gaudi-or-gaudy Barcelona era or the incense-and-hemp ambience of Quiggins you will likely be disappointed. If succulent, home-cooked Pakistani food or a large, swanky, ‘Grammable wedding venue is your thing, well, you are in luck.
Look, the food. That is the thing, is it not? I went with my brother, a man who knows his parantha from his puri, and can report it is good, authentic and inexpensive. On those three metrics, the lamb samosas (there are veggie alternatives) are probably the best thing you can eat in Liverpool. Fat, crunchy and stuffed full of steaming meat and veg, they are £4.50 for two. Try getting even a decent basket of bread or a sheepish bowl of olives for that money in the city centre.
A few new elements have popped up on the menu at Grand Central. There are enormous sharing platters of curries, breads and meats. Hot-and-sweet chicken wings are unctuous,
The curries are complex, luxurious affairs and start from a tenner. A rich butter chicken is a landmark dish, dripping with delicious calories.
charred and impossible to eat politely. They are another example of the fusion-y vibe here: desserts include homemade cheesecakes and brownies alongside traditional kulfi and kheer.
The curries are complex, luxurious affairs and start from a tenner. A rich butter chicken is a landmark dish, dripping with delicious calories. Lamb karahi bathes in silky, aromatic gravy laced with strips of fiery ginger. The tarka dhal is the best I have ever eaten. You will feel compelled to mop up the dregs with a naan: the Peshwari is fruity but not overly sweet; a keema naan is a meal in itself. There is no booze (I had a sublime mango lassi) but adjoining Fozia’s is the new French-inspired bar Belle’s, which looks calm and classy.
Is Grand Central a bridge too far for Fozia? Hard to tell. UNI has been a constant, reliable presence just up the road for years and there are several other decent options nearby. This bodes well, but then I look at the hot-fat insanity of Chicken Bazooka and the splenetic bars and wonder.
The food, the hospitality, bringing a disused building back to life... if there was any justice that would be enough. Cities like to talk about regeneration as if it arrives by press release or aluminium cladding. In reality it usually turns up like this: one woman, a simple menu and plenty of bloodymindedness. Grand Central has outlasted every trend thrown at it. It might yet survive on the oldest one of all, feeding people properly.
Contrast
Boho in bloom
Embrace spring’s must-have trend with Annie S’s latest edit
Textured
t-shirt with lace hem
Pull&Bear
£29.99
Leather shoulder bag with pouch
Parfois
£79.99
Doublebreasted knit cardigan
Zara
£45.99
Balloon jeans Stradivarius
£29.99
Hybrid t-shirt maxi dress
River Island
£59.99
Puff-sleeved twill jacket
H&M
£37.99
Bubble hem bomber jacket
River Island
£59
Long sleeve crossover scarf blouse
Bershka
£22.99
Beaded scarf
Stradivarius
£19.99
Leather moccasins with fringes
Parfois
£45.99
ZW Collection limited edition jacquard cropped jacket
Zara
£149
Tall leather buckle boots
Pull&Bear
£79.99
One foot in THE GRAPES
As we celebrate Chinese New Year, Jane Clare recommends four aromatic white wines to match the bold, expressive flavours of the nation’s cuisine
Iwas born in the Chinese Year of the Rat. I hit Google to see what that means, and here’s what it told me – with a few wine flourishes added along the way (it’s not as bad as it sounds!).
Apparently as a rat, I’m intelligent and quick thinking (I can spot a bargain); resourceful (I’m never without a corkscrew); socially savvy (I sit next to the wine); and have strong survival instincts (I always have a backup bottle).
There you go – but what’s the reason for this particular thought tangent? In February, Liverpool does one of the things it does best: celebrating Chinese New Year. The key weekend falls on 21 and 22 February, and it’s the perfect excuse (as if one were needed) to enjoy a Chinese meal. Just think of all those lovely tumbles of flavour – ginger, spice, garlic, maybe sesame oil, five-spice, star anise. You get the picture?
Here’s four of my favourite white wines to enjoy at Chinese New Year – they’re what we call ‘aromatic’ styles.
Gewürztraminer: Imagine opening a box full of icing-sugardusted Turkish delight. There are aromas of rose petals and delicate jasmine flowers; a mouth burst of mangoes and lychee; a linger of ginger. The ‘gewürz’ part of the name means spicy. It can have some sweetness (though not always) and isn’t shy on alcohol. Try Asda’s Extra Special Gewürztraminer Vin D’Alsace (£9.25)
Riesling: Oh, still my beating heart. This is my favourite white grape and can be many things; from a pin sharp dry wine alive with lime-thrilled acidity; or an offdry style (with a tiny sense of sweetness). One of my favourite styles comes from Germany (oh yes) where refreshing acidity is high, and where vines seek out the cool-climate sun. Try this one from the Pfalz, M&S Classics Riesling (£10).
Torrontés: Ah now, this is lovely. I bet you associate Argentina with the red wine malbec; well head to a white for a change. Torrontés is native to Argentina and is at its best growing here in some of the world’s highest vineyards. This brings flirtatious floral notes to the wine,
with waves of lychee and citrus. Try Co-op Fairtrade Torrontes Chardonnay (£6.15).
Fetească Regală: Hard to say, hard to write, easy to drink. The grape variety is native to Romania and translates to ‘royal maiden’. It is full of soft apricots and nectarines with a flash of a spicy bite –ideal to serve with Chinese five-spice flavours. Try Incanta Fetească Regală (£10.50) at Majestic.
Come and say hello!
There’s a smashing wine event coming to Liverpool next month organised by local lad and my wine pal, Johnathan Garry (pictured) of Bacchus Wine Tasting. And it’s a chance to come and say hello!
The Northern Wine Festival takes place in Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral on Saturday 7 March.
Johnathan has brought together hundreds of wines from regions including France, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Mexico and California. There’s a strong contingent from England, with several producers ready to chat face to face.
I’ll be there too, giving visitors some fun mystery winetasting missions.
Johnathan told me: “I want to treat consumers to the joys of an exclusive trade style-event, where they can sample a huge selection of premium wines and meet the people behind the labels.
“Northern Wine Festival aspires to be one of the most significant events in wine for the North of England.
“I do have a tendency to go OTT on things in life and the festival is no different; this is wine tasting on a huge scale.
“I also suffer from FOMO and feel this is an event nobody will want to miss out on.”
Liverpool-based Think Wine Group will also be pouring its Italian fizz.
The sessions in the cathedral’s Crypt are from 11-3pm, or 4-8pm. You can get tickets online at bacchusschoolofwine. co.uk or check out @northernwinefestival on Instagram
Spacious fourbed semi at popular new build development in Netherton
£305,000
OFFERING THE SPACE and presence of a detached home at a more accessible price point, the four-bedroom semi-detached Stonechat house-type at Sandway Homes’ Molyneux Gardens is ideally suited to growing families.
On the ground floor, a good-sized lounge offers a comfortable setting for relaxing evenings, while the open-plan kitchen and dining area forms the heart of the home. Fully fitted and equipped with integrated appliances – including a fridge/ freezer, dishwasher, ceramic hob and double oven – the kitchen is designed to make both meal preparation and entertaining effortless. A practical downstairs WC adds further convenience.
Upstairs, there are four well-proportioned bedrooms, with the main bedroom benefiting from its own en suite shower room. A contemporary family bathroom completes the first floor, both bathrooms styled with sleek tiling and modern chrome fittings.
Outside, the property features a tarmaced driveway and an enclosed rear garden laid to lawn with a patio and garden path. Additional specification highlights include uPVC doubleglazed windows and doors, oak-finish internal doors with brushed stainless steel handles, photovoltaic solar panels and an electric vehicle charging point.
Molyneux Gardens enjoys a desirable location on the edge of Netherton, within walking distance of Roughlys Wood, Brooms Cross, Jubilee Woods and the Cheshire Lines footpath. Liverpool, Southport and Ormskirk are all easily accessible, with the M57 and M58 nearby, along with excellent public transport links, cycling routes and local amenities.
For more information or to arrange a viewing, visit sandwayhomes.co.uk or contact Sandway’s sales agent, North Wall Property on 0151 804 4303
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Must-See Month
is Back:
A celebration of Liverpool’s culture
City ushers in spring with four weeks of arts, music, theatre and family-friendly activities
LIVERPOOL’S MUST-SEE MONTH returns for its second year, transforming the city into a vibrant hub of cultural activity.
Organised by Liverpool Business Improvement District (BID), the month-long celebration highlights the very best of the city’s arts, music, theatre, dance, workshops, exhibitions and more. From special events to behind-the-scenes experiences, there’s something for everyone to explore.
The festival also features exclusive offers, giveaways, and interactive experiences designed to encourage both locals and visitors to try something new. With half term included, families are well catered for, with plenty of free activities and animation to enjoy.
Highlights include:
• Don’t Believe the Hype at the British Music Experience, going behind the curtains of the Arctic Monkeys’ debut album and iconic cover
• Treasure: History Unearthed at the Museum of Liverpool, offering free access for kids to explore the new exhibition
• Free Liver Bird Safari walking tour with Arts Groupie, discovering the city’s hidden stories
• 25% off select concerts at the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra,
including Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet for Valentine’s Day, Family Concert: Nature Trail, Tankus, and Lost in Music
• Historic tours of Liverpool landmarks such as the Town Hall and St George’s Hall
• Liverpool Beer Festival at the Metropolitan Cathedral
• A Grand Day Out in Liverpool: Adults & Creatives Workshop at FACT
• Galentine’s Day-themed workshops at All Over The Shop
• Ticket offers for the Liverpool International Jazz Festival at Capstone Theatre
All offers and activities can be browsed and filtered at mustseemonth.com, including options for free, family-friendly, and discounted events.
Sign up for the newsletter to be the first to hear about new events and the chance to win two tickets to The Memory of Water at the Everyman in February: liverpoolbidcompany. com/subscribe
Housing Secretary joins Legacie to mark topping out at The Gateway
Once complete, the development will comprise 656 apartments across four towers, with a sky bridge connecting the buildings
LIVERPOOL-BASED DEVELOPER Legacie has marked a key construction milestone after topping out its latest flagship scheme, The Gateway, in the city’s rapidly transforming Pumpfields district.
The topping out was marked with a visit from Steve Reed MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, alongside Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region. The visit from the pair underlines the scheme’s significance to Liverpool’s ongoing regeneration and growth.
Once complete, The Gateway will comprise 656 apartments across four towers, with shared residential amenities and a landscaped skybridge connecting the buildings at seventh-floor level. The development is located close to Liverpool’s business district and historic waterfront.
Designed by Falconer Chester Hall, The Gateway will include a double-height garden spa with facilities such as a Jacuzzi pool, steam room, infrared sauna, cryotherapy and oxygen chambers, flotation tanks and aromatherapy showers. Additional amenities will include a private gym, fitness studios and dedicated relaxation spaces for residents.
During the visit to The Gateway, the Secretary of State and the Mayor of the Liverpool City Region met with former and current apprentices from Legacie’s Bright Futures Scheme. The scheme provides fulltime, paid construction apprenticeships aimed at developing skills and supporting entry into the industry. Legacie has indicated plans to recruit additional apprentices across its construction and commercial teams in due course.
Steve Reed MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, says: “When I said build, baby, build this is exactly what I meant. I am so proud to visit a scheme like The Gateway – it is a project that will transform landscapes and support communities.
The Gateway serves as
a reminder of our need to support builders to boost our economy and help us achieve our ambitious target of building 1.5 million homes across England.”
Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram adds: “After years of dither and delay under the Tories, we’ve got a Labour government that’s serious about getting Britain building again – and across the Liverpool City Region, we’re ready to play our part. Since I was elected, we’ve delivered more than 32,000 new homes with ambitions for plenty more to come.
“But for me, the importance of new housing projects goes well beyond hitting targets. Every new development like this gives local people access to decent, affordable homes, and that regeneration brings real benefits: good jobs, new opportunities and pride in our communities. That’s the difference devolution makes.”
John Morley, CEO of Legacie, adds:
“The topping out of The Gateway marks a major milestone in both the realisation of our original vision for the site and the wider regeneration of the Pumpfields district. Legacie will be leaving a lasting legacy on this key growth corridor.”
“The Labour government has stressed the need for the built environment sector to drive forward regeneration and continue building. As an industry, we need to back the government to ensure that we are continuing to shape places and generate growth.”
Michael Gledhill, director of RWinvest, adds: “Legacie’s work on The Gateway really shows what Liverpool’s development sector can achieve. It’s more than just new homes –it’s creating jobs, training opportunities, and long-term investment in one of the city’s key growth corridors.
“Projects like this are exactly why we remain so confident in Liverpool’s regeneration story.”
More than 90% of apartments at The Gateway have already been sold by Legacie’s sales partner, RWinvest.
From left: Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Steve Reed MP, John Morley, CEO of Legacie, and Michael Gledhill, CEO of RWinvest
DEVELOPMENT
Stylish contemporary
apartments in the heart of Liverpool’s business district
CONVENIENTLY LOCATED opposite Moorfields train station, Centric is a brand-new apartment development from North West-based property developer and manager CERT.
Originally acquired in 2018 as an office building, Centric has been transformed into CERT’s first residential project in Liverpool, offering 46 thoughtfully designed one and two-bedroom apartments ideal for professionals and couples seeking a modern urban lifestyle.
The apartments have been designed to maximise natural light, many with arched or dramatic circular windows, creating a bright, visually-interesting retreat within the city’s business district.
On-site facilities include a residents’ lounge, providing tenants with a space to meet, socialise and build a strong sense of community. Safety and convenience are also key features, with secure underground parking and dedicated bike storage for residents.
Designed with modern renters in mind, Centric offers exclusive access to CERT Life, a resident platform that keeps tenants connected with building updates, events, and special local offers. Through CERT Life, residents can manage maintenance requests and stay in touch with their dedicated asset manager, helping them feel fully supported in their new home.
Ready to move in from March? Centric is just a short stroll from the shops, restaurants and amenities of Castle Street, Liverpool ONE and the waterfront.
For more information and to register your interest in renting one of the apartments, visit: https:// community.certproperty.co.uk/centric
The Renters’ Rights Act: What It Really Means for Liverpool’s Rental Market
Kayleigh Wright examines how the landmark law will affect everyday letting in Liverpool – and why preparation, not panic, is key
If you’ve been following property headlines recently, you’ll have heard plenty about the Renters’ Rights Act – and just as many mixed opinions about what it means for landlords and tenants alike. As someone working daily with both sides of the rental market across Liverpool and the wider city region, I wanted to use this month’s column to cut through the noise and focus on what actually matters in practice.
At its core, the Renters’ Rights Act, coming into force on 1 May, is about rebalancing the relationship between landlords and tenants. The most talkedabout change is the removal of so-called “no-fault” evictions. Instead of relying on Section 21 notices, landlords will need a valid reason – such as selling the property, moving back in, or serious breaches of the tenancy – and will use a reformed Section 8 process instead.
Understandably, this has caused concern among landlords, particularly around the fear of losing control of their property. In reality, landlords are not being stripped of their rights – but they are being asked to be more structured, compliant, and transparent in how they let and manage homes. For those already operating professionally, this shift is far less dramatic than some headlines suggest. Beyond possession, the Act introduces a number of other important changes. Rent increases will be more clearly regulated, aiming to prevent unexpected or excessive rises while still allowing landlords to respond to genuine market conditions. There are also tighter restrictions on blanket bans, encouraging landlords to assess applicants on their individual circumstances rather than broad categories. Crucially, enforcement is being strengthened – meaning poor practice is more likely to be challenged, while responsible landlords benefit from a more level playing field.
For tenants, the Act brings greater security through the move to periodic
tenancies, replacing fixed terms. This gives renters more flexibility while offering stronger protection from unfair eviction. In a city like Liverpool – where many renters value both stability and choice – this reflects how people actually live and work.
Another key focus is property standards. Homes must be fit for habitation not just at the start of a tenancy, but throughout it. This places greater importance on regular inspections, early maintenance, and clear communication – areas where proactive management makes a real difference.
One of the most common questions I’m asked locally is how landlords can protect themselves once Section 21 is abolished. In practice, the answer is preparation. Many landlords are now choosing to include rent and legal protection as part of their overall letting strategy, ensuring they have financial cover and professional support if issues arise. Used alongside
careful tenant selection and proactive property management, it’s one of the most effective ways to reduce risk under the new system.
From a Liverpool market perspective, I don’t expect the Renters’ Rights Act to lead to a mass withdrawal of landlords. What I do expect is a continued shift away from casual letting towards a more professional, well-run rental sector. Demand for good-quality rental homes remains strong across the city, particularly in areas benefiting from regeneration, transport investment, and employment growth.
As with any major reform, the Renters’ Rights Act will take time to bed in. But handled properly, it has the potential to raise standards, protect responsible landlords, and create a healthier rental market – something Liverpool is well placed to lead on.
Kayleigh Wright Liverpool Letting Expert
New penthouse launches at world’s largest brick-built warehouse
Top-floor apartment blends contemporary design with heritage features and offers sweeping views across Liverpool and the River Mersey
A NEW PENTHOUSE show apartment has launched at Tobacco Warehouse, the world’s largest brick-built warehouse.
Standing beside Stanley Dock in Liverpool’s historic docks quarter, the top-floor apartment was created with the addition of a new upper level to the Grade II-listed landmark.
Dressed by Natalie Holden Interiors, the penthouse is one of nine on the top floor, each with a generous private roof terrace tucked behind the original parapet. From there, residents can take in views across the city, the River Mersey, or the Titanic Hotel, and the new Hill Dickinson Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.
The penthouses are part of a wider scheme that will eventually deliver more than 550 loft and penthouse-style homes, alongside 100,000 sq. ft of dock-level commercial space, cementing Tobacco Warehouse as the centrepiece of the wider Stanley Dock regeneration area.
Spanning 1,050 to 1,700 sq. ft, the Tobacco Warehouse penthouses combine contemporary urban living with the character of a historic landmark and have been described as “Liverpool’s finest and most authentic residential properties”.
Arranged on a single level for easy lateral living, the accommodation features
an entrance hall with a utility and cloak cupboard, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a spacious open-plan reception. The kitchen, complete with a central island breakfast bar and dining area, opens through floor-to-ceiling sliding doors onto the fullwidth roof terrace.
Leanne Lees, interior designer at Natalie Holden Interiors, says: “These penthouse interiors were designed to feel effortlessly sophisticated yet highly liveable; a space that supports everyday comfort while still delivering visual impact.
“A key driver of the scheme was introducing a sense of heritage and character into what is
ostensibly a newly built space, using materiality and detailing to create warmth and authenticity.
“Every selection was considered in relation to light, proportion, and longevity, resulting in an environment that feels cohesive, timeless, and distinctly premium.”
Pat Power, director of Stanley Dock Properties, adds: “Following the success of Phase 1 sales at Tobacco Warehouse, we are thrilled to launch the penthouses and new penthouse show apartment, which perfectly showcases not only the incredible heritage features of Tobacco Warehouse, but also stunning views across Liverpool’s evolving city scape.”
The penthouses at Tobacco Warehouse are likely to attract buyers drawn to the building’s distinctive architecture and history, as well as its proximity to leisure and retail amenities and its views across the surrounding area.
The landmark building and its South Lane location may also be familiar to potential buyers through its appearances in a number of film and television productions, including Captain America, Peaky Blinders and, most recently, House of Guinness
Tobacco Warehouse is part of the £260 million mixed-used regeneration of Stanley Dock, which also encompasses the North Warehouse, now the Titanic Hotel, and a new ‘super restaurant’ due to launch later this year in the pumphouse.
All apartments at Tobacco Warehouse have an EPC rating of B and are connected to the local energy network, Mersey Heat. Penthouse owner’s will not only have use of the building’s vast communal spaces, with a residents’ lounge, co-working areas, 24hour concierge and coffee dock, but can also
A key driver of the scheme was introducing a sense of heritage and character into what is ostensibly a newly built space, using materiality and detailing to create warmth and authenticity.
benefit from a 10% discount on all food and drink at Titanic Hotel Liverpool.
The Tobacco Warehouse penthouse show apartment is for sale at £490,000, excluding furniture. Penthouse apartments are available from £430,000, with the final two remaining duplex apartments for sale from £375,000.
For further information on Tobacco Warehouse please contact 0151 920 2404 or visit www.tobaccowarehouse.co.uk
Love the skin you’re living in
Modern skin concerns aren’t always dramatic - but they are persistent. Dullness that won’t shift. Uneven tone that shows through make-up. Dehydration lines that make skin look tired rather than youthful. At Amanda Azzopardi Aesthetics , these are the quiet frustrations clients talk about every day –and they require more than a surface-level solution
This Valentine’s season, the clinic is offering a results-driven skin reset designed to restore clarity, glow and balance to the complexion, without downtime or disruption to daily life. Because when skin is truly healthy, it doesn’t need disguising.
The skin concerns we see most Seasonal changes, stress, lifestyle and environmental exposure all take their toll on the skin. In clinic, the most common concerns include:
• Dull, tired-looking skin
• Uneven tone and pigmentation
• Fine dehydration lines
• Enlarged or visible pores
• Loss of luminosity and glow
These issues often appear together and are rarely resolved by a single, one-off facial. Instead, they require a targeted approach that works both on the surface and within the deeper layers of the skin.
The Valentine Skin Reset
For a limited time, Amanda Azzopardi Aesthetics is pairing two
treatments to create a powerful yet gentle skin-restoring experience:
DermaV™ Laser Toning
This advanced laser toning treatment is designed to improve overall skin quality by targeting uneven pigmentation, redness and dullness while supporting the skin’s natural collagen production. By working beneath the surface, Derma-V helps refine texture and promote a clearer, more evenlooking complexion over time. The treatment is comfortable, requires no downtime and is suitable for those seeking visible improvement without invasive procedures.
Baby Face Facial
Following laser toning, the Baby Face Facial focuses on restoring hydration, smoothness and radiance. This results-focused facial deeply exfoliates, replenishes moisture and supports the skin barrier, leaving the complexion visibly fresher and instantly glowing. It’s the perfect finishing touch –calming, restorative and indulgent, while still delivering real results.
Why this combination works Together, these treatments work to address multiple skin concerns in one carefully designed session. This combination helps to:
DermaV™ Laser Toning & Baby Face Facial £199 for two people Partner. Best friend. Mum. You choose.
• Brighten and even skin tone
• Support collagen stimulation
• Improve skin texture and smoothness
• Refine the appearance of pores
• Restore natural luminosity
• Deliver results with zero downtime
The outcome is not just improved skin on the day, but a complexion that continues to look healthier, clearer and more balanced in the weeks that follow.
It’s not about covering up tired skin – it’s about resetting it.
LIMF Academy’s all-female music project underway
Initiative aims to address gender equality in the music industry, from the perspective of both songwriters and performers
LIVERPOOL CITY COUNCIL’S music talent development programme LIMF Academy has teamed up with the Ivors Academy Trust and PPL to deliver an all-female music project as part of its 10-year anniversary celebrations.
‘YES WE ARE!’ sees 12 female songwriters, composers, musicians, and producers undertake guided collaborative song creation and recording sessions at Kempston Street Studios, alongside an allfemale team.
The programme is facilitated by Ivor Novello Award winning singer-songwriter, Michelle Escoffery, alongside guest-facilitator, Låpsley – a singer, songwriter, musician, and producer who was born and raised in the Liverpool City Region.
Following two rounds of creative and recording sessions, which began in November, group members will attend a
bespoke industry day at the Roundhouse in London, with some participants also offered the opportunity to perform at the acclaimed Kindred Showcase at the Southbank Centre.
The project aims to address gender equality in the UK music industry, from the perspective of both song writers and performers. It is delivered in partnership with Ivors Academy Trust, a charity focusing on making the craft of songwriting and composition accessible to everyone, alongside PPL – the UK music industry’s Collective Management Organisation (CMO), responsible for collecting music royalties
on behalf of performers and recording rightsholders.
Despite a rise in women’s representation in mid-to-senior roles, significant disparities still exist across the industry. Women remain underrepresented in senior leadership and specific roles like producers, engineers, and DJs, as well as in certain music genres.
Data from 2020 found that only one in six people (16.7%) receiving streaming royalties as a songwriter or composer were women. Similarly, in 2023, the PRS Foundation noted that women made up just 17% of registered writers and music creators.
Scan for tickets
Soy & garlic glazed sea bass with rice and greens
Fish kept simple, but with bags of flavour and contrasting textures
PREP 10 mins | COOK 25 mins | SERVES 4
INGREDIENTS
• 2 red onions
• 400g carrots, peeled
• 250g pack cooked beetroot, drained and patted dry
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 x 144g packs sweet potato falafels
• 2 x 200g packs Fullgreen
Riced Cauliflower & Broccoli
• 25g pack mint, finely chopped
• 50g walnuts, toasted and finely chopped
• Cooks’ Ingredients Turkish Pepper Flakes, to serve (optional)
For the dressing:
• 2 tbsp tahini
• 1 tbsp clear honey
• ½ tbsp pomegranate molasses, plus extra to serve
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp natural yogurt
• 1 clove/s garlic, crushed
METHOD
1 Preheat the oven to 200°C, gas mark 6. Peel the onions, then cut into sixths through the root. Cut the carrots into batons and the beetroot into wedges. Spread them out over a large baking tray, drizzle over the oil and toss to coat. Spread out again, season with a little salt, then roast for 25 minutes.
2 Turn the veg and add the falafels to the tray, then cook for 10 minutes more. Meanwhile, mix the dressing ingredients together and season to taste. Cook the
THOUSANDS OF RECIPES CAN BE FOUND
COOK’S TIP
If cauliflower rice isn’t your thing but you want to keep the plant count, try cooked freekeh or pearl barley instead – you’ll need 250g dried
cauliflower rice according to pack instructions.
3 Once the vegetables and falafels are done, toss the veg, rice, most of the mint and walnuts in a serving bowl, then divide between plates.
4 Top with the falafels, drizzle over the dressing and some pomegranate molasses, then garnish with the remaining mint and walnuts and red pepper flakes, if using. Serve immediately.
Keeping the grey at bay
Heather Marsh shows how to fight winter gloom with vibrant colour fixes that brighten gardens and spirits alike
AT THE TIME OF WRITING, it’s downright miserable outside – another cold, wet day to endure, all feeling rather relentless. February is more often than not a dreary month, a kind of limbo, and even if we are slowly but surely nudging our way towards spring, it’s the monochrome tones of the winter landscape that really get to me. Everywhere looks sparse and bare, rather dour, and it reminds me of watching black-and-white television as a child in the sixties – yearning, as I did back then, for some colour to excite the senses and bring it all to life.
A little understanding of colour theory shows how important a role it plays in our lives and how it has been shown to have a psychological effect on our emotions, moods and behaviour – with the absence of colour having a noticeable impact too. Colour can lift and stimulate us and make us feel good. Warm colours, especially at this time of year, do exactly that, with red long associated with love and splashed everywhere this month in honour of St Valentine.
So, while colour may be in short supply right now, there is still enough about to boost our spirits. Here are some of my tried-and-tested colour fixes to cheer you –starting with a few you don’t even have to go outside for.
Chop chop
When the days feel especially dismal and dull, I find that turning the simple task of chopping vegetables into a mindful, uplifting exercise creates a stimulating kaleidoscope of colour –something far more cheering to focus on than the weather outside.
Amaryllis
Christmas cactus
Commonly called the ‘Christmas cactus’, Schlumbergera often first blooms during the festive period. This succulent thrives on neglect, asking very little, yet between December and now it flowers profusely, covered in bright pink, frilly blooms that really brighten any grey day. This rainforest cactus prefers a warm, humid spot out of direct sunlight. Water when the compost dries out, then give it a good soak – and that’s all there is to it.
varieties that have been putting on a show since the start of winter, relentlessly flowering their hearts out.
Camellias are straightforward to grow but do best in acid or neutral soil. A soil-testing kit will give you an accurate reading, or you can simply see what grows well in your neighbours’ gardens – chances are they have the same soil type as you.
Indoor plants really come into their own at this time of year, and none more so than Hippeastrum, commonly known as Amaryllis. These giant, exotic blooms are guaranteed to deliver a maximum punch of colour. Planted as bulbs, they produce huge trumpetlike flowers in shades of red, pink, and white. They aren’t difficult to grow, but buying an Amaryllis bulb kit is the easiest way to get started – everything you need is usually included, from the bulb and pot to compost and instructions.
Once potted, place your bulb in a warm, bright spot. Watering your bulb and then simply waiting for it to grow is great fun, but be patient: don’t overwater, and don’t let the compost dry out. After about three to four weeks, your bulb will start to burst forth, growing at a surprisingly rapid rate.
Once in bloom, there’s little else to do other than admire and enjoy the spectacular show. Here are some varieties that would make perfect Valentine’s gifts:
• Belinda – deep crimson flowers
• Bestseller – cerise, pink flowers
• Red Lion – strong, red-flowered form
• Star of Holland – red with white markings
• Lady Jane – semi-double salmon pink blooms
Mimosathen
At this time of year, it’s the cold-season blooms that I really appreciate and that come into their own. Not just because garden colour is so limited right now, but because of the impact they make against the drab winter backdrop. For me, it’s these trees and shrubs, with their head-turning displays of colour when we need it most, that keep me going.
Acacia dealbata ‘Mimosa’ is one such beauty – a truly breathtaking tree, and you can see why I was stopped in my tracks recently when I came across this magnificent specimen in full bloom. So tropical-looking, flowering from early January to March, its tiny frothy flowers remind me of sherbet lemon pips – sweets I used to eat as a child – with the same vibrant yellow. And if that wasn’t enough, the blossoms are heavenly scented too.
If soil is an issue, camellias grow well in pots and containers – as Monty Donn and Alan Titchmarsh both do in their gardens. Plant them in ericaceous compost, widely available at good garden centres, and they will thrive just as well. Watering is especially important during the summer, particularly for young plants, as this is when the plant forms next year’s flower buds. Rainwater is preferred, as it is slightly more acidic.
Here are two early-flowering varieties worthy of a place in any winter garden, guaranteed to lift your spirits with their outstanding beauty:
This evergreen shrub, with fern-like leaves, can be grown as a small tree. Although it’s a fast grower, annual pruning after flowering keeps it easily manageable. If space is limited, Mimosa grows happily in a pot or container in a sunny, sheltered spot.
Despite its delicate appearance, Mimosa is a hardy plant, withstanding temperatures down to -5°C. Even when severe frosts can kill early blooms, it usually bounces back – mine always does. Definitely consider growing one; I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Early winter flowering camellias Camellias flower profusely through winter into early spring, but it’s usually next month when they really take centre stage. However, I want to highlight a couple of early-bird
Camellia ‘Winter’s Toughie’ Even winter’s icy grip won’t stop ‘Winter’s Toughie’ from flowering and putting on a stunning show. Its very name is an indication of how hardy it is, flowering from November through to February. This vigorous evergreen, with rich, glossy leaves, pink semi-double blooms, and yellow stamen centres, is an absolute stunner – a welcome burst of colour in any winter garden. It grows happily in any partially shaded border or can be trained against a wall, thriving in neutral to acid soil. Camellia ‘Yuletide’ This stunning Camellia really has the wow factor, producing masses of vibrant red flowers. Each bright crimson bloom is crowned with golden stamens, creating a truly striking display. Naturally coming into flower a week or two before the Winter Solstice, it will continue blooming well into the new year, providing colour when everywhere else is sparse.
A superb, hardy evergreen shrub, it grows happily in pots or containers and is virtually maintenance-free.
Amaryllis
Schlumbergera
Camellia
‘Winter’s Toughie’
Acacia dealbata ‘Mimosa’
Camellia ‘Yuletide’
SGD Fire Protection: Growth Without Compromise
Shaun Davidson, director of Huyton-based SGD Fire Protection, reflects on building a fastgrowing national business while maintaining high safety standards, strong values and a clear commitment to social responsibility
What motivated you to launch SGD Fire Protection in 2022, and what gap in the market did you feel needed addressing?
I’ve been in the fire protection industry since I was 16, starting as a labourer for my dad and uncle in Liverpool city centre. From the start, I was obsessed, reading technical documentation at home to understand exactly what we were installing and why it mattered.
In 2022, while self-employed for a Liverpool construction company, I asked a director if I could set up on my own. I didn’t fully know what I was taking on, but I wanted the challenge. They supported me, and I’ll be grateful for that opportunity.
SGD has grown rapidly. What principles have driven that growth while maintaining safety and quality?
Several factors have contributed: quality work, word of mouth, honesty, and fair pricing. But what truly sets us apart is our client response time – no one matches it, and that won’t change. Being proactive and responsive is a core value, and the team we’ve built at SGD is something I’m very proud of.
SGD delivered more than £1 million in social value last year, much of it locally. What does that mean to you and the communities you serve?
That figure is just the start. We have big announcements coming, including the launch of our foundation, and we track all social value contributions with Compliance Chain. Living and working
committed to making difference locally.
Which community initiatives are you most proud of?
Our new partnership with Prescotbased not-for-profit Evolving Mindset is particularly important. They provide mental health and wellbeing support across Merseyside, and SGD has committed to a three-year partnership. Two adult counselling rooms and a new Youth Counselling Studio will carry our name, helping the community access vital support. This collaboration will give members of the community greater access to the help and support they need.
How does employing and training local people support SGD’s success and the wider economy?
Over the next three to five years, I aim to establish an academy. While passive fire protection remains the focus, it will offer pathways into administrative, business, and support roles, providing recognised qualifications and transferable skills. The academy will be inclusive, supporting school leavers and individuals of any age, strengthening the local workforce and reducing skills gaps while ensuring SGD grows with capable, committed people. I plan to work closely with Knowsley Council, housing associations, and local causes to achieve this.
How do you balance commercial growth with strong ethical and communityfocused values?
It hasn’t been easy. Coming from a council house background, I’ve faced imposter syndrome, but I’m learning to manage it. No matter how successful we become, I won’t forget where I came from. Money isn’t my motivator – I enjoy taking on new
“Over the next three to five years, I aim to establish an academy. The academy will be inclusive, supporting school leavers and individuals of any age.”
challenges. I fell in love with the work, built a business from it, and it’s now allowed me to give back to my community.
What is your long-term vision for SGD? I want to grow nationally while staying rooted in the strong values that built the business. One of my main priorities is ensuring the quality we’re known for remains consistent as we scale, and that’s something our systems, standards, and team are designed to protect. It’s also vital that our team continues to feel supported, proud, and motivated, because they are central to our success. From a business perspective, there’s real opportunity for sustainable national growth. With our established client base and strong reputation, we’re well positioned to expand while maintaining high standards.
At the same time, I want SGD to be known not just for quality, but for positive community impact. By investing in people, creating opportunities, and supporting local communities, we can genuinely change lives and that sense of social responsibility is core to our long-term success.
sgdpfp.co.uk
What’s on...
Events not to be missed over the next four weeks
Previously unseen Stuart Sutcliffe paintings revealed
Rare artwork by band’s original bassist now on display at Mathew Street museum
THE LIVERPOOL BEATLES MUSEUM has hosted the world premiere of previously unseen artworks by ‘Lost Beatle’ Stuart Sutcliffe. Best known as the Fab Four’s original bassist, the unveiling shifts the spotlight back to Stuart’s true calling as a visionary Abstract Expressionist painter.
The four pieces arrived at the Mathew Street museum via a deeply personal route, loaned by Hereward Harrison, a close friend of Stuart’s late sister, Pauline. Following Pauline’s death in 2019, Hereward decided the works – gifts from Pauline over their 50year friendship – belonged back in the city where Stuart’s journey began.
Stuart’s talent was evident long before the fame of The Beatles. It was at Liverpool College of Art that he met John Lennon, who famously persuaded him to buy a bass guitar using the proceeds from the sale of his Summer Painting at the John Moores exhibition in 1959.
The collection includes two works from Stuart’s formative Liverpool years, around 1957–58, alongside two lithographs from his final period in Hamburg, revealing the sophisticated style he developed while studying at the Hamburg State School of Art.
Though Stuart followed Lennon to Hamburg and helped give The Beatles their name, his fiancée Astrid Kirchherr observed that his heart was always in art.
Stuart’s paintings are on display until September
Minton masterpiece returns to public view for summer 2026
Sunken floor at St George’s Hall is one of the finest surviving examples of Victorian decorative design
ONE OF LIVERPOOL’S MOST STUNNING architectural treasures will return to public view this summer as St George’s Hall unveils its iconic Minton tile floor for an extended reveal from 17 July to 2 September 2026.
Usually concealed beneath a protective wooden covering to preserve its delicate craftsmanship, the vast mosaic is widely regarded as one of the finest surviving examples of Victorian decorative design anywhere in the world. Comprising around 30,000 handcrafted tiles, the floor is celebrated for its rich colours, classical imagery, and remarkable state of preservation.
Originally costing £3,000 – around £250,000 in today’s money – the mosaic was covered in the 1860s to provide a more durable surface for dancing.
The last public unveiling in 2023 attracted more than 20,000 visitors. Building on that success, St George’s Hall has expanded its 2026 programme with immersive guided tours, creative workshops, live performances by local musicians – including Channel 4’s The Piano winner Brad Kella – and a new archival exhibition.
Alongside the floor reveal, the Stable Gallery will host a specially curated exhibition in partnership with Liverpool Central Library. Drawing on historic archives, it will explore the story of St George’s Hall and highlight the legacy of its first official organist, W. T. Best.
The Memory of Water, Everyman
25 February – 14 March
On the eve of their mother’s funeral, sisters Mary, Teresa, and Catherine return to their childhood home.
As they sift through memories, resentments, and keepsakes, laughter and long-buried truths emerge. A hilarious, moving exploration of family, grief and memory.
19 Feb Talking Sopranos, Empire
28 Feb Ocean Colour Scene, O2 Academy
3 Mar Lily Allen Performs West End Girl, Philharmonic Hall
4-7 Mar War of the Worlds, Playhouse
5-7 Mar Bouncers, Epstein Theatre
From 6 Mar Two by Jim Cartwright, Shakespeare North Playhouse
7 Mar The Artisan Craft & Spirit Festival, St George’s Hall
Titanic in Focus, White Star Line Hotel
Until 20 March
This new exhibition at the former White Star Line HQ traces the Titanic’s journey – from its construction and celebrated maiden voyage to its tragic loss – featuring a curated collection of artefacts, including original deck chairs, wreck-site items, a Grand Staircase fragment, and more.
from £430,000
Large scale 1 & 2 bed apartments of 1050 to 1700 SqFt, plus full width terraces with extensive city skyline, Bramley Moore or Mersey views.
