UK: A 189-key aparthotel in the Ropewalks area of Liverpool city centre is due to be given planning consent.
The Surface Car Park and former LMA Building land at 77-83, 85 89 Duke Street and 4-8 Parr Street has been set aside for the proposed development.
Applicant Duke Street Hotel Ltd is proposing the redevelopment of the site for the aparthotel, a ground floor commercial unit and 39 car parking spaces within the basement.
The aparthotel would be of varying heights from six to seven storeys (plus basement). It would offer a range of room sizes, ancillary lounge, gym, laundry, co-working space and dining facilities, cycle parking and courtyard and terrace areas.
The commercial unit is intended to be able to accommodate uses such as restaurant, small scale retail store, medical use or offices. The car park, which includes three of the 39 spaces as accessible bays would be available for public or hotel guest use.
Existing buildings on the plot would be demolished including the 1950s Liverpool Music Academy (LMA) building.
Recommending the application be approved subject to a legal agreement, a council document said: “The principle of hotel development in this location, together with a small commercial unit, and parking which would both serve hotel guests and visitors to the city centre, aligns with the appropriate uses identified for the area within the development plan policy, area-based guidance, and regeneration strategy.
“A hotel in this location would add to the diversity of hotel accommodation offer within the City and contribute towards the local economy. Duke Street is considered a key route between the city centre and the waterfront and as such is well placed for ancillary leisure development such as hotels.”
