Former Liverpool John Lewis set for change of use
The former John Lewis department store in Liverpool city centre could be set for a change of use as an application goes before councillors with a recommendation to approve.
Under proposals submitted by Landlad Developments, the George Henry Lee buildings on Basnett Street could be transformed into a 175-room hotel with a restaurant, sky bar, and leisure facilities.
Following John Lewis’ move to Liverpool ONE in 2008, the buildings – which comprise over 153,000 sq ft of floorspace across nine floors – have remained largely vacant for the last 15 years.
If the proposals are given the go-ahead, hospitality group Accor is set to open its ‘Mama Shelter’ concept, the brand’s first location in the UK outside of London.
According to the plans, the site’s exterior would remain largely unchanged, whilst a major refurbishment of the buildings’ interiors is proposed. The hotel’s restaurant would occupy the sixth floor with proposals for additional extensions facilitating a glass-walled enclosure on the roof, allowing for full views of the city.
Founded in 1853, George Henry Lee was then acquired by John Lewis in the 1940s before being brought under the John Lewis brand in the early 2000s.
The application will go before Liverpool City Council on 24 October.