A pair of historic buildings in Liverpool are to be converted into aparthotels and retail units.
Liverpool Council ’s planning committee has given the go-ahead for a grade II listed location in the city centre and an almost 100-year-old former pub to be transformed into new businesses following a meeting this morning.
A total of 10 self-contained hotel apartments are to be set out in the upper floors of the three storey former Bank of Liverpool building on Water Street. Having previously received planning permission in 2017 for 10 apartments, applicant Aqua Commercial Ltd opted against the move during the covid-19 pandemic and sought approval for an aparthotel scheme.
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Councillors heard how the apartments at the Grade II listed building would consist of a combination of either two, three or four bedrooms with kitchen, living and dining room spaces. The main entrance for guests will be via an existing entrance located on Fenwick Street with a concierge desk located within the lobby for guests to check in and out.
Planning permission was granted for the ground floor and basement of the building to be converted into a new Gaucho restaurant in June. Despite being a listed building, Liverpool Council’s heritage specialist reviewed the proposal and confirmed there were no objections on heritage grounds.
A report to committee members said the proposal would “also help to complete the refurbishment of this substantial listed building and will facilitate the sustainable long-term use of the existing building.” Architect Matthew Giles said the plans would bring about “a new chapter of its history” and provide an “extraordinary experience” for patrons.
The committee also green lit plans for the former Glasshouse pub near Edge Lane to be brought back into use as two separate units. The “landmark” building, which is a non-designated heritage asset according to the council report, will now house a hot food takeaway, drinking establishment and retail.
The first floor of the former pub will also be repurposed into three separate residential accommodation units. The "Tudorbethan"-style building, built in 1926, has stood vacant at the junction of Cunningham Road, Mill Lane and Edge Lane for some time and was last in use 18 months ago.
John Hayes, Liverpool Council development team leader, told members that there was “no viable use” for the building as a pub anymore with minimal changes needed to the exterior. Those in favour of the plan had submitted representations to the local authority stating how they felt the pub had “become a blight on the local area” and a hub for anti-social behaviour.
Both schemes were approved unanimously.
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