Prosperity Capital will start work this year on the city centre project that will see 33 ’boutique’ apartments created on the upper floors of the former office building. Tony McDonough reports
Developer Prosperity Capital has secured planning consent to concert a Grade II-listed former office building into an apart hotel.
The building in Castle Street houses a Greggs bakery outlet on the ground floor and Prosperity intends to create 33 “boutique” apartments on the upper floors, which have been vacant since 2016.
Designed by architects Cartwright Pickard in collaboration with planning consultancy WSP | Indigo, the project includes a mix of first and second floor studio and one-bedroom aparthotel rooms complete with cooking facilities, and a shared communal lounge area.
An accessible unit will be positioned on the ground floor of the building alongside the existing retail units which are currently occupied. Work is expected to start on site by the summer and completed by early to mid 2021.
The development is part of the Castle Street Conservation Area, set up to preserve the architectural heritage of the district which was formerly the heart of the city’s banking and commerce industry. Now a popular independent food quarter, the area remains a prime example of Victorian and Edwardian commercial development.
Key to the proposals is the preservation of the exterior of the building, which was originally designed by Liverpool architect GE Grayson in the ‘commercial’ classical style of the Victorian period, whilst sensitively renovating the interior to create a development that maintains the character and heritage of the site.
Becky Dewey, associate director at WSP | Indigo, said: “We’re delighted to have helped our client, Prosperity Capital, achieve planning permission for this scheme which will help breathe life back into one of Liverpool’s most architecturally stunning buildings.
“Serviced apartments and aparthotels are the fastest growing sector of the UK’s accommodation market, offering business and leisure travellers facilities much like a traditional hotel, but with added space, amenities and privacy.
“The opportunity to conceive this offer within a building of such architectural character will add a truly unique experience to city’s hospitality offer.”