Deemhire Pty Ltd lodge concept plan for three towers at Macquarie St, Elizabeth St and George St, Liverpool

A beloved family-owned Thai restaurant in the crosshairs of a $185m plan to transform Liverpool into a “vibrant” 24-hour city has left the owners “stumped” and confused”.

Artist impression of the $185m towers proposed for Liverpool CBD.

A beloved family-owned Thai restaurant in the crosshairs of a $185m development plan to transform the heart of Liverpool into a “vibrant” 24-hour city say they have been left “stumped” and confused”.

Deemhire Pty Ltd have lodged a concept plan with Liverpool council for three towers with more than 36,000sq m of commercial and 790sq m of retail space at 132-156 Macquarie St, 34-48 Elizabeth St and 127-135 George St, Liverpool.

The plans reveal the tallest building stand at approximately 94m with a helicopter pad, while the other 56m and 74m towers featuring business and retail premises, 200 parking spots and 3,650sq m of communal open spaces.

Artist impression of the $185m towers proposed for Liverpool CBD.

Planners state the existing buildings on the site – including a string of restaurants, an alternation and key cutting business – are “inconsistent with the significant redevelopment” of the area and would be demolished.

The daughter of Enthaicement Thai Restaurant owners Anneka Saenphoumy, said her family were notified of a concept plan to redevelop the Elizabeth St site on May 2 from their strata manager.

“My mum was very stumped, very confused about what was going on and she thought it meant we had to leave immediately,” she said.

“We’re just going to wait (until council makes a decision) then talk about it more in depth, and she’ll (her mother) make a decision on what we’ll do next.”

The 18-year-old said it would be “different” if the development was given the green light as the family have worked at the restaurant for more than a decade.

“I’ve been there for as long as I can remember, the building for my family is very sentimental and I remember having a lot of birthday parties and helping out,” she said.

The $185m towers proposed for Liverpool CBD could see a string of businesses demolished.

“My mum loves owning the restaurant and loves talking to the customers and it’ll be difficult to catch up with people.”.

Ms Saenphoumy said the surrounding businesses were like “family” and were also unsure of their future plans until a decision is made by council.

“All the changes around Liverpool, its very shocking and its changing very quickly,” she said.

“I have no idea what’s instore for the future but we are accepting the changes as they come.”

Planners for the development state the proposal aligns with the Liverpool CBD’s vision to transform into a “vibrant destination with a thriving 24-hour economy … with the Georges River serving as its centrepiece”.

“Its proximity to iconic landmarks such as the pedestrianised Macquarie Street entrance, Liverpool Westfields, and Western Sydney University building presents an opportunity to create a strong commercial hub,” planners state.

Artist impression of the $185m towers proposed for Liverpool CBD.

“The proposed development as submitted has the potential to deliver a well-designed, high-quality, commercial development to the Liverpool City Centre.”

The $185m plans will be built alongside a swathe of approved developments in the Liverpool CBD, including a 34-story mixed-use development with 312 residential apartments and a 35-story mixed-use development with 113 hotel apartments and 194 residential apartments.

Plans for a $355m private hospital, standing almost 80m tall, have also been lodged for 61 – 71 Goulburn St, Liverpool just a stone’s throw from the existing Liverpool public hospital.

According to the planning proposal, the health hub would include up to 155 hospital beds and provide services such as radiology, chemotherapy and oncology.