IT IS sad news that one of Liverpool’s most important regeneration schemes has run into difficulties. The marriage between property developer St Modwen and supermarket giant Tesco – which was a key peg of the city’s Project Jennifer scheme – has ended in an abrupt separation, and the fallout seems likely to rumble on for some time.

Tesco is no longer involved in the £150m regeneration scheme for north Liverpool and negotiations between the pair have irrevocably broken down. But where does this leave the scheme, which was set to transform the land from Great Homer Street to Scotland Road?

Project Jennifer is an exciting and much-needed regeneration scheme and Tesco would have been the anchor for the entire 45 acre site. Other parts of the development include nearly 500 homes, a hotel and public transport interchange.

St Modwen is now courting another major supermarket chain but Tesco is threatening to oppose moves to bring in a rival. And since the retailer owns a chunk of the land, this could have serious repercussions in delaying the entire scheme.

Delays could lead to rising costs and, particularly given the current uncertain economic climate, no one who has invested time and money in the project would want that.

Project Jennifer has already moved forward somewhat slowly due to the protracted negotiations, coupled with the fact that compulsory purchase orders have been required on businesses in the area.

Developer and retailer are no doubt determined to keep battling on – but while they dispute, the north of the city is missing out on vital regeneration. While other parts of Liverpool are starting to boom, this area is in danger of stagnating.

A speedy conclusion to the Project Jennifer saga is something that should be sought as a matter of urgency. The residents and businesses of the area deserve nothing less.