Liverpool City Council has granted permission for a £120m mixed-use scheme at Mann Island in the centre of Liverpool.

Neptune Developments will construct three black granite buildings containing more than 13,000sq ft (1,200sq m) of covered public spaces for exhibitions, cafés and restaurants as well as a further 20,000sq ft (1,850sq m) of public open space.

In addition, the scheme will incorporate 76,000sq ft (7,060sq m) of leisure and retail space on the ground and first floors of the three buildings.

The three granite properties – designed by architects Broadway Malyan – will comprise two triangular residential constructions arranged in an ‘L’ shape and a linear commercial building to maintain and frame views of the Three Graces, while their reflective surface is intended to allow the structures to blend into the skyline.

Steve Parry, managing director of Neptune, said: “We are delighted to be finally moving ahead with this scheme. This is a not only one of the key development sites for Liverpool but one of the most important in the north west.

“We consulted extensively on this scheme before we submitted our application and responded to comments made with amendments to the design. The overwhelmingly positive support we received is reflected in the planning committee’s decision. We are now all eager to get on site and make our vision for Mann Island a reality.”

The planning application was supported by English Heritage, Liverpool Vision, LUDCAP and CABE and work is expected to start on site in spring 2007. Details: www.neptunedevelopments.co.uk