The Grade II-listed building, known as the ‘Jewel on the Hill’, has been left derelict in recent years and now Signature aims to turn it into an events and training venue. Tony McDonough reports

Developer and hotel operator Signature Living has unveiled plans to turn the former Everton Library into a new events space in a project it is estimated will cost £5m.

The Grade II-listed building, known as the ‘Jewel on the Hill’, has been left derelict in recent years. Now, Signature aims  restore the former library into a multi-purpose venue, including a wedding space, tea rooms and youth centre, offering vocational training to local youngsters.

Built in 1896 by Thomas Shelmerdine on the corner of St Domingo Road and Beacon Lane, Everton Library was a hub for the community for a number of decades. Often mistaken as a Carnegie Library, its striking brick and stone design is built in a Jacobean/arts and crafts style and has an ornamental corner.

Signature Living chairman and founder Lawrence Kenwright said: “know how much affection the local community has for Everton Library, that’s why our plans would not only bring it back to its former glory, but it would be transformed into a community and events space.

“By using the building to host training and skills workshops, we can help create local jobs and make a positive contribution to the growth of our economy. I want to inject fresh energy into the Jewel on the Hill to honour that title and create a much-loved treasure which people will be able to enjoy once more.”