Plans for more student flats on site of Liverpool’s historic Williamson Tunnels

Student accommodation situated on the site of Liverpool’s historic Williamson Tunnels is earmarked for expansion.

A planning application has been issued with Liverpool Council for the development of an additional unit at Heritage Court off Smithdown Lane comprising 12 studio flats. An extension of an existing terraced block to provide a new build property containing a three-bedroom cluster flat on second floor level and a further flat on first floor level.

An additional two single-bedroom studio units would be built on the ground floor level, subject to approval.

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The Williamson Tunnels are a labyrinth of tunnels in Edge Hill between 1810 and 1840. They remained derelict, filled with rubble and refuse, until archaeological investigations were carried out in 1995. Since then excavations have been carried out and part of the labyrinth of tunnels has been opened to the public as a heritage centre.

Guided tours have been undertaken as excavation continues with volunteers continuing to uncover new sections. The definitive use and purpose for tunnels is still unknown but it is thought they were a philanthropic endeavour.

According to a design and access statement accompanying the planning application, the existing three-storey student accommodation block is “currently oversaturated and has under-utilised land at the rear which is in an unkempt state.” The documents said neighbourhood and stakeholder engagement was sought to work through proposals during the initial development of the application.