A historic building in Liverpool is set for a new lease of life. Plans have been submitted to convert the former Bank of England on Castle Street into a dining venue. Liverpool Council has already approved the conversion, paving the way for this exciting development.
The proposal includes turning the ground floor into a restaurant and bar, with kitchens located in the basement. The building, which has been vacant for nearly 20 years, will also see additional storage and staff facilities on the first floor. This move forms part of a broader trend of revamping historic sites in Liverpool.
A Historic Site with New Beginnings
Plans are underway to transform the former Bank of England building on Castle Street, Liverpool, into a new dining venue. Troia (UK) Restaurants Ltd has submitted a planning application to bring a well-known restaurant chain to this historic site. The building has been vacant for nearly two decades, and these plans aim to breathe new life into it.
Liverpool Council’s planning committee approved the conversion of the site last August. The proposed restaurant is part of a series of establishments that the brand has been developing since 2014. The restaurant chain is already popular in London and plans to expand its presence in the North West, alongside two existing sites in Manchester.
Architectural Significance
The former Bank of England building was designed by Charles Robert Cockerell, a prominent architect of his time. According to Liverpool Council officers, the building is a ‘commanding site’ that reflects Liverpool’s historical importance as a centre of commerce and trade. Its austere interior contrasts with the opulence of many other banks in the city.
As a Grade 1 listed building, any alterations to the structure are highly regulated. New documents indicate that the plans include installing a fabric awning with the restaurant’s name, alongside brass back-lit signs and planters. A free-standing menu sign is also proposed for the exterior.
Community and Urban Development
The site has a complex history, including its occupation by a group called Love Activists in 2015, who wanted it to serve as a centre for supporting homeless people. Such events have added layers to its historical and social significance. However, this new development is expected to add a modern chapter to its storied past.
The Ivy’s plans include converting the ground floor into a restaurant and bar space, with commercial kitchens. The basement will house additional kitchens and storage, while the first floor is reserved for storage, customer toilets, and staff facilities. The second and third floors will remain unused for now.
The Ivy’s Expansion Strategy
Bringing the restaurant chain to Liverpool has been in the works for some time. The brand was first linked with a potential site in the city in 2022. However, those plans did not materialize, and the space was taken over by another restaurant brand. The new Castle Street location marks the brand’s third venture in the North West.
The restaurant chain has been expanding its footprint since 2014, with a series of spin-off restaurants known as the Ivy Collection. Its move to Liverpool aims to tap into the city’s vibrant food scene and its appeal to both locals and tourists.
This latest venture is part of a broader trend of repurposing historic buildings in Liverpool. The JSM Group, which submitted the plans for the restaurant, has also secured planning permission for other notable sites on Castle Street, including a former Natwest building and the Lomax club.
Liverpool Council’s Role
Liverpool Council has been instrumental in facilitating these developments. Last year, the council approved the plans for the former bank building, a move that aligns with its broader strategy to revitalise historic sites in the city. The council’s planning assessment highlighted the building’s ‘powerful design language’ and its significance as a historical landmark.
The council’s regulations ensure that any modifications to the Grade 1 listed building preserve its architectural integrity. The planning assessment emphasises the balance between maintaining the building’s historical elements and adapting it for modern use.
Future Implications
The transformation of the former Bank of England building into a dining venue has broader implications for Liverpool’s urban landscape. It signifies a shift towards repurposing historic sites, blending the old with the new. This trend not only preserves the city’s rich history but also injects new economic opportunities.
The arrival of the restaurant chain is expected to boost local employment and attract more visitors to the area. The Castle Street location, with its historical significance and modern amenities, is poised to become a focal point for both locals and tourists.
In conclusion, the plans to open a new restaurant in the former Bank of England building are more than just a business venture. They represent a harmonious blend of history, architecture, and modern development, contributing to Liverpool’s ongoing urban renaissance.
In conclusion, the transformation of the former Bank of England building into a new restaurant symbolises a fusion of history and modernity. It not only rehabilitates a long-vacant site but also enriches Liverpool’s cultural and gastronomic landscape.
The ambitious plans, which include extensive renovations and thoughtful architectural interventions, signify more than just a new dining venue. They reflect a broader urban trend towards repurposing historic buildings for contemporary use, contributing to the city’s ongoing renaissance.
