Business owners based at a Liverpool city centre industrial estate held an emergency meeting over plans that could see skyscrapers built in the area.
READ MORE: 'It's like I've got 50 nans and grandads': Building a family in Ireland's 'second capital city'The site is owned by property giant Peel and is part of the wider Liverpool Waters development, which aims to transform the post-industrial landscape of the city's Northern Docks over a number of years. The development project stretches from Princes Dock to Bramley-Moore Dock, where Everton FC's new stadium is in construction.
The news has caused some concerns for some of the small businesses operating out of the trading estate. Mr Hope-Smith and fellow King Edward businesses held a meeting about the proposals on Friday evening and raised their concerns with city centre councillor and cabinet member for the Economy Cllr Nick Small.
"I've agreed to support small businesses and work with them and Peel to support those businesses who want to stay and those that can't to relocate elsewhere in the city."