Developers Capital&Centric have begun work to prepare the iconic building for restoration after it has stood empty for decades.

A remediation team will now carry-out a comprehensive strip out of the buildings and secure their structural integrity, preparing them for repurposing and restoration.

This first phase of work – expected to run until next summer – will pave the way for main contractors to move in, with two new 20,000sq.ft studios for big budget productions the first to be constructed on the neighbouring land.

Morgan Sindall was lined-up as main contractor before the project hit its latest delay three years ago with the main builder now set to be confirmed early next year.

John Moffat, Joint Managing Director of Capital&Centric, said:  “Whilst Liverpool is the UK’s most filmed location outside London, the city needs to keep upping the ante. Not only will The Littlewoods Project draw in productions, it will unlock opportunities in the creative sectors for locals for years to come.

“Having submitted detailed plans to Liverpool City Council last month, getting started on site is a major moment and the beginning of realising shared ambitions for the Littlewoods Project.

“There’s loads to be done before the main restoration can get going. The next six months will see an intensive period of remediation activity inside the iconic building, which will then pave the way for construction of the new build studios and Littlewoods’ re-birth as a cultural destination that Liverpool can rightly proud of.”