Liverpool's iconic Martins Bank Building is set to open its door for the first time in 15 years after planning permission was granted to transform the city landmark.
The Grade II*-listed building, which is set to reopen in 2024, will house 140,000 sq ft of offices, restaurant and social space located within the former banking hall.
Developer Kinrise and majority co-owner Karrev have been given permission by Liverpool City Council to proceed with the renovation. The bank’s doors have been closed since 2009.
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Kinrise recently awarded Lendlease, the international real estate and investment group, an enabling works contract to deliver the initial refurbishment and restoration of the site, following its pre-construction contract.
The first phase of works is due to start on site imminently, focused on a significant restoration of existing glass and stonework.
Working with Lendlease and architects Red Deer and Brock Carmichael, Kinrise plans to retain and restore the building's original features.
Kinrise founder Sam Lawson Johnston said: "Having worked closely with Liverpool City Council and Historic England since our acquisition of Martins last year, we are delighted that our plans have now been given the green light.
"We are excited to see these plans come to fruition as we bring life back to this extraordinary building. We hope the renovation and return of public access will leave a meaningful legacy for the city for future generations."
Stuart Wheeldon, project lead for Martins Bank at Lendlease, added: "Martins Bank is one of Liverpool’s most iconic buildings and we are pleased to be working with Kinrise and Karrev to restore it to its former glory.
"Lendlease has a proven track record of ensuring heritage buildings are sensitively refurbished and we look forward to creating an office and leisure destination that is fit for the 21st century."
Martins was the only national UK bank to have its head office outside London.
The group traces its history back to Tudor-era financier Thomas Gresham. In 1918 it was taken over by the Bank of Liverpool, creating a national banking group that expanded across the country.
The merged group needed a grand new headquarters and in 1932 opened its grand new head office in Water Street.
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