The derelict remains of a popular hardware store in Liverpool City centre have been branded a “disgrace” and “dangerous” with questions remaining over a proposed hotel development.
Concerns have been raised about the condition of part of the former Rapid building on Renshaw Street with some locals claiming the area behind the structure is now being used as a “dumping ground”. The distinctive terrace, which runs parallel to Bold Street, was home to the iconic hardware brand for nearly 40 years before it moved to Williamson Square in 2009.
Rapid ceased trading in 2017 with its former premises on Renshaw Street operated as separated units from 2009 onwards, some of which have been home to restaurants and karaoke bars. In 2016, plans were submitted to develop the end of terrace, near Cropper Street, into 114 serviced apartments.
READ MORE: Iconic department store that took up almost an entire city street
The proposals, put forward by developers YPG and approved by Liverpool City Council subject to conditions, intended to retain the existing façade of the building and also erect seven storeys. Space has been cleared behind the existing structure but no work on the development has begun, with YPG no longer involved in the plans.
In February 2023, a planning application showed the development had been taken on by Collateral Investments with Liverpool City Council approving a condition discharge submitted by planning consultants Broadgrove. The condition discharge was the preparation of a construction management plan which would involve local firm Newry Construction. The proposed development is a 142 bed hotel.
Land registry records show that 48-54 Renshaw Street was purchased for £1,700,000 on June 13, 2022. The purchase was made by Collateral Investments Limited which is registered in the Isle of Man.
Liverpool City Council said that it was awaiting the next steps from the developer. But concerns have been growing around the condition of the existing façade, with boards remaining up around the perimeter of the development.
Photographs show almost the entirety of the roof structure no longer exists. Windows across the front of the building have been smashed with vegetation growing from the existing chimney structures.
Dave Ellis, 61, has also raised the issue of waste being strewn on the derelict land behind the building. Mr Ellis, who had been looking for new premises for a gallery and arts and crafts shops run by him and his wife, Cleide Ellis Arts and Crafts, noticed the poor condition when viewing spaces to potentially relocate their business from Lark Lane.
Living in Liverpool for the last six years, Mr Ellis branded the current site on Renshaw Street as a “disgrace” and a “dangerous site” - pointing out that the building “looks like it could just collapse at any point.” He told the ECHO about his worries over the impression the building gives off in such a prominent part of the city centre.
Other local business owners have raised their concerns over the condition of the space behind the former shop, which leads through to Bold Street. Mr Ellis labelled this area an increasingly popular “dumping ground” with other businesses highlighting concerns about people sleeping on the site and potential substance abuse.
Revolution Barbers is one door down from the site perimeter and its manager, Rafiki Kennouche, 49, told the ECHO how the derelict structure is “killing” Renshaw Street. While the area has attracted new businesses and footfall towards Berry Street, he said the building was harming local business in close proximity.
He said: “People don’t want to come here. It makes the street look really bad. It makes it look like a poor street. It would make a big difference if it was fixed.”
Noting the growing appeal for new business towards the top end of Renshaw Street, local Cllr Steve Munby said “it’s hard to see why a responsible owner couldn’t do something positive with the building.”
Revolution Barbers has been a fixture on Renshaw Street for 10 years, but Mr Kennouche has said there have been talks over moving the business to a more appealing location - such is the level of rubbish that appears to gather around the exterior of the site.
In an attempt to gain clarity on what is happening with the development and highlight the concerns, the ECHO has tried to reach out to Collateral Investments. However no response has been provided.
Newry Construction, named in the construction management plan for the development, said that architects Footprint Design was best to deal with in terms of queries and management of the development.
Earlier this week in an initial conversation with Yaqoob Malik, a director of Footprint Design who have consulted on other developments in Liverpool, he suggested that work on the development could start this year - with hopes of soon putting work out to tender. When asked for further information on the development, Footprint Design has declined to comment.
Ali Siddique, another director of Footprint Design who was said to be specifically working on the project for Collateral Investments, also declined to comment when asked for further information on the development. Questions now remain over the hotel plans and when they will eventually be brought forward, with many in the area keen to see a resolution to what has become a major eyesore.
Commenting on the situation in his Riverside Ward, Cllr Steve Munby said that “something positive” soon happens with the building. He added: “It’s a prominent building with a long history. It’s a real eyesore, particularly given the progress and recovery in other parts of Renshaw Street.
“It doesn’t belong to the Council, so our powers are limited, but we can’t just sit back and complain. I’ve asked council officers to take a fresh look at what they can do to help bring the building back to life.
“Given all the businesses springing up along the street it’s hard to see why a responsible owner couldn’t do something positive with the building.”
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
READ NEXT:
Chaos at Best-one shop as bags of sugar and cans thrown in fight
Man's teeth 'felt like jelly babies' after 'horrific' dental treatment
Activists who targeted S*n printing facility thank people of Liverpool
Man split second away from being hit by Avanti train in 'one of closest near misses ever'
M&S shoppers in disbelief over 'random' new £4.50 bacon sandwich
