Developer YPG in partnership with the city council, which is the landowner, plan a large mixed-use scheme to create a new leisure, commercial and retail destination.

The latest part of the scheme to gain planning is a 6-storey apartment block, which follows on from the green light for a landmark office scheme for Wirral-based call-centre The Contact Company late last year.

Willmot Dixon is understood to be in line to build the office project.

Further phases of development include a 2,000-seat ice rink, a hotel, restaurants, bars and shops and a car park. A new Winter Garden, new public realm, ten pin bowling