One the city’s oldest streets is undergoing a “renaissance” as it reinvents itself.
Castle Street dates back to the 13th century when it stood as one of the original seven streets of Liverpool. Named after the former Castle of Liverpool, the famous street later became the heart of Liverpool’s financial district.
Reminders of its history can still be seen in the striking listed buildings and banks that have now closed their doors. Earlier this year, plans were put forward to transform the old Bank of England building into a luxury bar and restaurant and the former NatWest Bank into a 92 bedroom hotel.
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Both banks have been acquired by the JSM Company Group, a property investment firm which owns large swathes of the city, including numerous venues on Concert Square. The redevelopment of the famous buildings could signal a new chapter for an area that’s already undergone significant changes in recent years.
Speaking to the ECHO last month, Matt Crebbin of JSM said: "They are both beautiful buildings both inside and out and have held huge historical importance to the city. When the opportunity was presented to us to purchase, we jumped at the chance.
"As a Liverpool-based company, we care about the city so we like nothing more than breathing new life into properties that may have laid dormant previously."
Mark Rushden, 50, opened Point Blank, a shooting range and cocktail bar, on Castle Street in September last year. Mark said the bar has proved so popular it now has days where it takes more money than its sites in Manchester and Newcastle combined.
Mark told the ECHO: "Liverpool was on our agenda for quite a while. When we find a new site, we walk the entire city and get a feel for it. Castle Street instantly had this vibe about it.
"It's so unique in its make up. It's not typical of any other street in Liverpool that I can see. There's nothing quite like it - it's an expanse of space.
"When we did move into Castle Street so many people told us it's only recently that it's had a renaissance. We're excited about what's coming in around us.
"It's going to be an area in itself, probably like what the Northern Quarter is like in Manchester but with a few more higher end restaurants in there."
Mark said Point Blank was lucky to open on Castle Street when it did because the area is now proving so popular. He added: "People are seeing the potential because of the sheer space there and the buildings you're looking at are absolutely fabulous.
"It's been a very difficult time through covid but we've really put our roots down now and it's onwards and upwards. It's found its feet so quickly and I think that's part of the Castle Street vibe."
With a range of different businesses interested in opening in the area, it appears Castle Street is at a crossroads in its future.
Earlier this summer, it was announced that iStay Liverpool was set to begin work on turning the five-storey, grade II-listed 17-21 Castle Street building into 33 new apartments, with a view to opening next year. Cllrs Nick Small and Christine Banks raised concerns about the plans as they asked Liverpool Council to revisit planning permission to ensure the aparthotel does not operate as party flats.
iStay describes itself as a "number one for luxury group stay apartments in Liverpool." A statement on the company's website reads: "At iStay, we make sure all our guests have an unforgettable time visiting Liverpool. Choose from our range of fantastic Liverpool party apartments designed to let you party in style and stay in luxury."
Responding to a tweet from Cllr Small branding the Castle Street apartments as party pads, Ms Chambers denied they would be used in such a way. She added: “It is going to be a high end aparthotel that caters for families, business and those with accessibility needs.”
The American chain Hooters has also divided opinion since it was announced it would be opening around the corner in Water Street's New Zealand House.
Mayor Joanne Anderson is among those who are against its arrival, saying: "Hooters has an infamous sexually objectifying and misogynistic environment".
Back on Castle Street, the recent changes to the area don't end there. The French bistro Bouchon is among the restaurants to have joined the hospitality offering over the last year.
The restaurant is run by the Red & Blue Restaurant Group, who also own Salthouse Bacaro next door. Meanwhile, over the road, a café turned bar called Coco's is getting ready to open its doors next to Liverpool Gin Distillery.
The Iberian wine bar Bobo has also been a big hit since it opened on Castle Street back in 2020 after lockdown restrictions were lifted. Described as "the best bar in town" by its customers, BoBo is the "little sister" to Abditory Bar, which is a stone’s throw away on Queen Avenue.
Taking its cues from the Iberian Peninsula, it offers a range of food and drink, inspired by Spanish and Portuguese culture. Emily Readion, 21, who works at Bobo, said it's this "strong brand" that has helped it to become a success amid the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.
As new bars and restaurants open in the area, Emily believes Castle Street will be a "fusion" of different businesses rather than solely a night time destination.
As a street that's "known for having a lot of good hospitality", Emily said "people can just make their way down it and go to different places. There's a lot of independents as well as chains - it's got a good mix.
"A lot of places have their own individual character which is nice. I kind of think it's a fusion, just from looking at what it is at the minute.
"You've got the late night venues but I don't think it will go as far as being all clubs. I think it will keep that bar/restaurant thing going and small businesses as well."
Only time will tell what the future holds Castle Street, which like much of Liverpool city centre is undergoing significant changes. But it's great to see new businesses investing in the area despite the challenges of the ongoing cost of living crisis and the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic.
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