Exciting plans for £17m boutique hotel in city

May 23 2008 by Vicky Anderson, Liverpool Daily Post

PLANS for a £17m boutique hotel at the heart of the business district have been revealed – ensuring the future of one of the city centre’s most “at risk” historic buildings.

The Royal Insurance Building, on the corner of Dale Street and North John Street, has lain unused for years.

In 2005 it was put on an “at risk” register by Liverpool City Council and its future placed in doubt.

It was in such a desperate state there were fears the building, dating back to 1903, could even collapse.

Now plans for a new 90-bed hotel and spa have been put forward by architecture firm and historic building consultant, Purcell Miller Tritton – the team responsible for the restoration of St George’s Hall.

The firm has been appointed by developers Kingsgate London Properties to take forward the conversion of the Grade II listed office block.

Extensive refurbishment will be carried out to restore the seven storey Edwardian structure that has remained empty and in a poor state of repair for more than 15 years.

It is in such a dilapidated condition, following the failure of a previous restoration attempt, that it features on the English Heritage Buildings At Risk Register.

Last year, it was described by the chief executive of the preservation organisation, Dr Simon Thurley, as one of the most serious “basket cases” on the list.

Liverpool City Council said at the time that it was working closely with the developer to make sure it was not lost, saying: “We are confident that this building will be brought back into use and restored to its full potential.”

The proposed conversion will include the provision of a health spa in the basement, making use of the attractive brick vaulted spaces.

The ground floor will contain a restaurant and bar with a suite of meeting rooms, while the upper floors will comprise 90 bedrooms.

James Sanderson, who runs Purcell Miller Tritton’s Liverpool operation said: “We are thrilled to be involved in the preliminary stage of such an exciting project in Liverpool whereby we can draw on our experience and expertise in the repair and conservation of sensitive buildings and deliver an excellent result.”

vickyanderson