ILIAD was formed in 1996 by the Anastasiou family, and has been involved in the regeneration of central Liverpool, particularly the Ropewalks area in its East Village, Manoli’s Yard and Elysian Fields developments.

It is also behind the Italian Il Forno and the Japanese Sapporo Teppanyaki restaurants that sit within its developments and represent a diversification from its construction interests.

There are already three Sapporo restaurants, in Liverpool, Manchester and Glasgow, and Iliad recently opened another catering brand with its P&D Deli in the city’s Williamson Square.

The Italian eaterie is a joint venture with brothers Paolo and Donato Cillo, head chef and head waiter at Il Forno in Duke Street, who have based the deli on dishes inspired by their home town of Potenza, near Naples. A spokeswoman for Iliad said they are considering rolling out the P&D concept to other locations.

Other projects include the Layla Hotel, in Liverpool’s former Municipal Annexe, in Dale Street, which aims to become the city’s first five-star hotel, and plans for a low-cost gym that will offer monthly membership from as little as £9.99.

The group has identified a city centre site for the scheme, and said it will progress with its plans when trading conditions are right for its launch.