Liverpool's Meraki escalates fight to save venue and stop developers
- PublishedThu, Jul 7, 2022, 14:45
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- There are plans to convert the nearby Bonded Tea warehouse into 211 apartments.
- The campaign to save Liverpool venue Meraki has entered a new phase. Last week, developers submitted plans to convert a Grade II-listed former tea warehouse, which sits on the same street as Meraki, into 211 apartments. Speaking to Resident Advisor, Meraki director Tom Hearn said that noise complaints from future residents living in the flats will be "inevitable" if the project gets the green light from Liverpool City Council. Hearn and his team have been speaking with the developer's consultant firm, ELG Planning, but talks of a noise-assessment survey have now broken down. "The noise assessment factors how much noise there is in the area and was conducted when Meraki and other neighbouring venues were shut," he said. According to Hearn, the developer's proposed acoustic treatment to the apartments won't be enough to prevent noise pollution that will likely cause future residents to complain. "This will result in noise restrictions and restrictions on opening hours," he added. "It means Meraki will be unable to give the public the events they all love and cherish." Hearn said he hopes Liverpool City Council's agent of change Policy—a commitment to protecting the city's cultural venues—will help Meraki's cause. The Save Meraki campaign launched in February, days after the venue was first made aware of the proposal in the Liverpool Echo. The first phase of the campaign led to more than 600 people sending their feedback to the developer as part of the pre-planning public consultation. The second phase of the campaign is asking supporters to make formal representation through Liverpool City Council's planning portal. This document contains instructions on how to contribute. Hearn said the public's response will show the council the extent of the support behind Meraki. "It will be factored into any decision the authority makes," he added. "Comments and representations to planning applications is the official way to make any individual's opinions heard on building developments in any area of the country." The proposed development has yet to go before the council's planning committee. A spokesperson told RA that, as a matter of protocol, the council can't comment on live applications before a decision is made. The number of music venues in Liverpool has declined significantly over recent years. According to Hearn, the council's decision on the developer's application will set the tone for the city's future as a hub for electronic music. Meraki, which opened its doors in 2016, has upcoming shows with DJ Plead (August 12th), KiNK (September 30th) and DJ Assault (October 8th). Correction, July 7th: A previous version of this story said that more than 700 people sent feedback as part of the pre-planning public consultation. It was actually more than 600.