Liverpool City Council is working with Mersey Fire and Rescue Service and property owner and developer Capital & Centric to assess the damage to the Littlewoods Building, following a serious blaze.
Mayor Joe Anderson said: “This morning I visited the Edge Lane site to see the damage that has been caused by the fire to the Littlewoods Building.
“The damage has been concentrated in the wing of the building that contains the iconic tower, in the end furthest away from Edge Lane.
“This is devastating and depressing news, but what is positive to report that the damage is not extensive.
“The fire mainly damaged the wooden internal structures, wooden partitions and staircases.
“This morning I met with engineers and Capital & Centric and hopefully the retaining walls and supporting steel is intact.
“With luck, this iconic Liverpool landmark, which survived the Second World War, can be restored.
“Our heartfelt thanks to Mersey Fire and Rescue service who worked through the night and stopped the damage from being far worse.
“The images that went out last night appeared to show the tower on fire, but this is not the case, it was just retained heat from the bricks.
“We will keep people informed with more information as we get it.”
Innovation Boulevard between Edge Lane and Wavertree Boulevard is closed for emergency services access and signed diversions are in place.
Read more about the plans to turn the site into a film and tv studio here.
