The ECHO has taken a look inside an iconic Liverpool city centre building which is currently undergoing a transformation into office space and an opulent restaurant.
The Grade II* listed building was constructed as the head office of the now defunct Martins Bank and was occupied by Barclays until the branch closed in 2009.
Seven storeys high, and designed in a classical style, the structure has been empty for more than a decade after plans announced in 2017 to transform it into Liverpool's first five star hotel failed to get off the ground.
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Investment firm Kinrise, which specialises in revitalising historic buildings, bought Martins Bank in 2021 and is now converting the upper floors into offices while a lavish new restaurant will be located in the stunning main banking hall.
At a briefing event, a Kinrise spokesperson said "The project is funded and works have started".
They added: "We're focused on creating top quality space. It's designed to help companies grow. Grow great teams with great cultures, and ultimeatley growing their business."
While restoration work is ongoing, the huge windows in the main banking hall have been uncovered, allowing natural light to flood into the space and highlight its charming features from the 1930s.
The ECHO was also treated to a tour of the eighth floor, which is home to the former Martins Bank boardroom.
The space boasts a decorative ceiling, as well as offering sweeping views of some of the city's landmark sites from a number of angles.
Paul Radcliffe from the Liverpool City Region Growth Company told the ECHO he worked for Barclays in the Martins Bank building in the 1990s.
He's excited for it to come back to life as commercial space. He added: "It was fantastic. It was one of the most memorable places.
"There was a great social side too, hundreds of people worked there. It was wonderful to learn it's being brought back to life."
He added: "In the boardroom, there used to be a portrait of the final ever Martins Bank meeting. And on every desk there was a small rectangular red book which has the names and contact details of every Barclays employee.
"I found it in my draw the other day and I've just passed it on to Kinrise so it can be put back in its rightful home."
Kinrise expects the project to complete in 2024.
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