A planning application will be submitted shortly to convert and redevelop the art deco former headquarters of Littlewoods Pools.

The project is moving-ahead after Liverpool John Moores University was confirmed as one of two anchor tenants alongside Twickenham Studios.

This will provide a direct link between academia and industry in what will be the largest of this type of facility in the UK.

The redevelopment of the former pools building will include a ‘Hollywood-standard’ filming complex intended to supercharge Liverpool’s growing film and digital entertainment industry.

Co-locating education alongside industry is key to maximising the huge regeneration potential of the project, which will support up to 3,650 jobs and result in an annual boost of £199m (GVA) to the local economy.

Adam Higgins, co-founder of Capital & Centric said: “Getting an education partner on board has been what we’ve been waiting for and it will ensure that local people have the right skills to take advantage of the huge opportunities on offer.

“In its heyday Littlewoods was the biggest employer in the area and where many people aspired to work.

“We want to bring that feeling back and get local kids excited about a career in film and TV and see that there are real jobs at the end of their studies.”

A £17m funding commitment from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s Strategic Investment Fund was announced last month, with the project identified as a key component of the Liverpool City Region’s £8.8bn ‘Building Back Better’ economic recovery plan.