Developer Caro Developments is about to convert the upper floors of the Parker Street building, which in 1962 hosted the wedding of John and Cynthia Lennon to apartments. Tony McDonough reports.

In 1962 the Reece’s Ballroom in Liverpool city centre became part of Beatles folklore when it was a venue for the wedding of John Lennon and his first wife Cynthia.

The ballroom, in Parker Street, has long since closed and the ground floor is now home to national retail chain Superdrug.

Liverpool developer Caro Developments is about to convert the upper floors to apartments but it has released a selection of images highlighting the venue’s rich history.

As well as photographs, preparation work also uncovered fascinating insights into the history of the building including original tickets, dance cards and posters.

A leaflet advertising a beauty contest revealed that the event at the ballroom was attended by cosmetics entrepreneur Helena Rubenstein.

The developers aim to stay true to the buildings design with no changes being made to the original façade.

Lee Darwen, operations director at Caro Developments, said: “It was so exciting for us to see what was left of the former ballroom and we felt it was very important to share the photographs as a piece of Liverpool’s history.

“We are excited to begin to transform the site into luxury residential apartments and bringing back to life another one of the cities great buildings.”