PLANS have been unveiled for a £10m hotel and retail scheme which could kick-start the regeneration of a key Liverpool thoroughfare.

Property developer the Benmore Group plans to build a 122-bedroom hotel, car park and shops on a largely derelict site in the centre of Dale Street.

If the plans are approved by Liverpool City Council, work could begin in spring 2010, with the hotel opening by summer 2011.

The scheme would see the historic façade of the Pioneer Buildings close to the council’s own Municipal Buildings renovated.

The car park, which would have about 300 spaces, would sit behind the hotel together with retail space on the ground floor of the development facing Dale Street.

The proposals have been welcomed by Jim Gill, the chief executive of Liverpool Vision.

He said: “Dale Street is a key city centre gateway and has languished too long in the regeneration stakes. Investment propositions like this – especially in the current climate – are very welcome.”

The developers are understood to have secured an international hotel operator and have also secured an international car park operative for the scheme.

David Burrows, chief executive of Benmore Group, said the proposals could act as a catalyst for the regeneration of one of the city’s most important gateways.

He added: “We believe this proposal offers the right blend of assets for a street which is in danger of missing out on the regeneration which has benefited so much of the city centre over the last four to five years.

“There is undoubtedly a demand for further quality hotel beds in the city, and we believe our investment in Dale Street will help to attract other investors and to expedite other plans which may be on hold at the moment.”