Iconic Liverpool Store to be Converted into Hotel

Date: December 2018

Location: Liverpool city centre, UK

Name: TBA

No. of Keys: Between 100 & 114 bed aparthotel

Seller: Was the former George Henry Lee department store

Buyer: Owner Martin Doherty said: “When we purchased this iconic building and moved the Rapid retail business, being a local, Liverpool family, we were well aware of its heritage and as such we didn’t want to see such a beautiful and historic building left empty and fall into decay following the departure of John Lewis to Liverpool 1.

Mr Doherty has today taken the first step in returning the iconic building to its former glory, with plans to convert the city centre site into a new hotel.

A planning application for change of use has been submitted to Liverpool City Council. The application follows a series of recent pop-up uses which included an acclaimed art exhibition and a retail operation by local children’s charity KIND.

But the building’s owners have now revealed that Liverpool’s most prestigious store has.a long-term future that will ensure its unique architectural features will be retained and restored.

Former Liverpool retailer Rapid was previously based in the building.

The conversion and redevelopment will be delivered through a joint venture alongside investment property company Williamson Holding, which is also delivering the restoration of another Liverpool landmark, the art deco Gostin Building on Hanover Street.

Williamson Holding spokesperson Nick O’Prey said: “We are delighted to be partnering with the Dohertys to help them realise an exciting vision for this stunning building.

“They deserve an enormous amount of credit for their determination to preserve this important piece of Liverpool heritage.

“Jointly, we intend to deliver a development of exceptional quality and originality.”

THPT Comment: There was talk about Roomzzz operating this a while back, but awaiting confirmation of that.

First Seen: The Business Desk North-West

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