Two interesting additions to the Planning Explorer -

Application Numbers - 10F/2127 and 10L/2128
Site Address - 52 - 54 Seel Street Liverpool L1 4BE
Proposal - To convert basement and 2nd floor to licensed restaurant, 1st and 2nd floor to student accommodation, extend and repair and rebuild outrigger to 52, rebuild front elevation to 54
Applicant - North West Bistros Ltd

This relates to the recently-painted buildings photographed above.

Application Number - 10F/2125 and 10L/2126
Site Address - 55 - 60 Seel Street Liverpool L1 4BE
Proposal - To refurbish and extend 56 - 60 Seel Street and 30 - 32 Slater Street, To use as bar, to include new internal structure and roof to 60 Seel Street and 30 Slater Street and demolish unstable gable walls
Applicant - MPGA North West

This relates to the building on the corner of Seel Street and Slater Street that has been wrapped in scaffolding and metal sheeting for a number of years now.

If both of these developments come to pass, it would make a hugely positive impact on Seel Street.

The restaurant bit sounds good, but then the student accommodation above rings alarm bells!

I think the student thing is a good idea. Who in their right mind, other than students, would want to live at that junction? Above a restaurant (potentially), at the apex of booze filled Friday and Saturday nights. I think that this is a good combination of uses.

Thanks Chris.

I noticed this on the planning explorer too: 10DIS/2065. It has had its conditions discharged relating to 10F/0003:

Application Number - 10F/0003
Site Address - 57 - 59 Seel Street, Liverpool, L1 4AZ
Proposal - To use basement, ground, first and second floor levels as restaurant/bar (Use Classes A3/A4), erect new first floor extension with balcony terrace to Fleet Street and carry out external alterations, including new entrance, escape stair and lobby to Seel Street
Applicant - Okewood Heritage Properties Ltd


Some pics:

http://i757.photobucket.com/albums/xx217/matcorv/front.png

http://i757.photobucket.com/albums/xx217/matcorv/back2.png

http://i757.photobucket.com/albums/xx217/matcorv/back3.png

I think the student thing is a good idea. Who in their right mind, other than students, would want to live at that junction? Above a restaurant (potentially), at the apex of booze filled Friday and Saturday nights. I think that this is a good combination of uses.

What I wanted to express was the notion that the student accommodation would be funding the restaurant - which probably won't be up to much at all.
Not professional restauranters - but 'funny money' out for a perceived quick buck.

Frankly, as the parent of a student, I'd be deeply worried about him living in such a location.

I'd like to see a really good quality restaurant open up in one of those lovely rennovations on Seel Street; not one funded by students living above.

A small gallery space and/or a antique/curiosity shop such as Quiggins Attique would also be welcome. Something that would make use of all floors, not just ground level.

There are so many upper storeys of great buildings laying vacant.

I went off Quiggins when I saw this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhxC9gcXS2E

I went off Quiggins when I saw this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhxC9gcXS2E
I've always found it particularly odd that someone who ran something so quirky and bohemian could be such a racist twat.

I stopped going in when I found out.
:nuts:

Never trust a hippy.

Or an unpleasant dirty looking mef.

Yes, I've also been aware of that for a long time - however, it is still a good shop, and one of a type which we have no other in liverpool.

It always strikes me, such as in Church Street today, that the biggest 'fascists' are the 'anti fascist' mobs which descend whenever the B.N.P are present - shouting and screaming abuse. Very Freudian, I feel.

That level of reactionary hysteria is highly suspect.:ohno:

Whilst I don't agree with the spectacle of anti fascist demos, as they are usually counterproductive, I find the BNP and their crypto sympathisers to be extremely creepy, often sad little people.

I've always found it particularly odd that someone who ran something so quirky and bohemian could be such a racist twat.

It is not unusual for small businessmen who feel oppressed by both large scale capital and organised labour to become sympathetic to the far right.

I don't think he's actually involved in the new Quiggins. In fact, I'm sure he tried suing the current owners to prevent them using the name. He wanted it for his antique shop on Aigburth Road.

I don't think he's actually involved in the new Quiggins. In fact, I'm sure he tried suing the current owners to prevent them using the name. He wanted it for his antique shop on Aigburth Road.

That is correct.

Pictured today in Chuch Street:
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MpuknhopBOI/TJUm2skPX9I/AAAAAAAAAeY/_rvutdGaq3Q/s400/DSC00466.JPG
Source - Liverpool Antifascists

Whilst I don't agree with the spectacle of anti fascist demos, as they are usually counterproductive, I find the BNP and their crypto sympathisers to be extremely creepy, often sad little people.

What is a crypto sympathiser?

:dunno:Whilst I don't agree with the spectacle of anti fascist demos, as they are usually counterproductive, I find the BNP and their crypto sympathisers to be extremely creepy, often sad little people.

What is a crypto sympathiser?

I don't think he's actually involved in the new Quiggins. In fact, I'm sure he tried suing the current owners to prevent them using the name. He wanted it for his antique shop on Aigburth Road.

He had a fall-out with his brother. The new shop on Aigburth Rd Is called Quiggins Attique.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MpuknhopBOI/TJUm2skPX9I/AAAAAAAAAeY/_rvutdGaq3Q/s400/DSC00466.JPG

Charming bunch of people. Complete with black tracksuit-clad boy fondling his bits.

Exclusive: Christians fruit stall to return
Owner tells Confidential readers: 'Thank you. You gave us confidence when we had none'

Date Published: 29/09/2010 15:00:03

GOOD news: Christians Fruit Stall is set to reopen in just over three weeks time.

Better news: It's going to be housed in a smart four metre by seven metre stall, back on its old pitch in Bold Street.

Continues http://www.liverpoolconfidential.co.uk/News-and-Comment/General/Exclusive-Christians-fruit-stall-to-return_15461.asp?eid=820&uid=193945

Well that was a bloody charade.

I guess LCC will harp on about them not having a problem with the stallholders, but the "illegal" building. Now we will get a relatively tatty stall instead of the much better looking old shed.

Still, I'm glad they are back in business.

What's with the aggressive, in your face, manc ad, as soon as you click on that link? Is there a fukn wool in charge, as usual.

Exclusive: Christians fruit stall to return
Owner tells Confidential readers: 'Thank you. You gave us confidence when we had none'

Date Published: 29/09/2010 15:00:03

GOOD news: Christians Fruit Stall is set to reopen in just over three weeks time.

Better news: It's going to be housed in a smart four metre by seven metre stall, back on its old pitch in Bold Street.

Continues http://www.liverpoolconfidential.co.uk/News-and-Comment/General/Exclusive-Christians-fruit-stall-to-return_15461.asp?eid=820&uid=193945

Another classic piece of poor journalism to be filed under - "we didn't understand the story the first time so we're correcting it but dressing it up as news, we think"

- they were always going to return, this is not a surprise. but hey don't let spoil a good 'story' or two.

Bloggers!

A new website for Ropewalks has been launched by LCC and the Stakeholder's group. Check it out: http://www.ropewalksliverpool.com/

I saw today that Portside House (bottom of Duke St) was getting it's ground floor commercial unit done up. According to the explorer it's to house the offices of A2 architects. A good move if so as I thought the area needed something other than restaurants to add to the mix.

http://northgate.liverpool.gov.uk/DocumentExplorer/Application/folderview.aspx?type=MVMPRD_DC_PLANAPP&key=733024

From the Daily Post -

Liverpool RopeWalks gets new image for future

Nov 17 2010 by Alan Weston, Liverpool Daily Post

THE Ropewalks area of Liverpool is getting a new image as it looks to attract more tourists and businesses.

Ropewalks lies between Liverpool’s Duke Street and Bold Street and has benefited from a major regeneration programme over the past decade.

It is now home to art galleries, independent boutiques, coffee shops and a thriving nightlife, as well as the Fact centre, the Tea Factory, Vanilla Factory and base2stay hotel.

A stakeholder group made up of residents and business representatives is now in the process of setting itself up as a “community interest company”.

This will give the group a range of benefits, such as being able to apply for its own funding to invest in RopeWalks.

Article continues here - http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2010/11/17/liverpool-ropewalks-gets-new-image-for-future-92534-27667411/

It was reported in the Echo that the White House pub (corner of Duke St with the Banksy graffiti) was to be put up for auction at the Hilton on Thursday. I went along but it had been withdrawn. Don't know what to make of that. Anyone any info?

Anyone else notice that the unit opposite the Banksy pub was well on the way to being fitted out today? It looks like a bar/restaurant.

Meh, looks like a take away according to the explorer.

Anyone else notice that the unit opposite the Banksy pub was well on the way to being fitted out today? It looks like a bar/restaurant.


Its looking really smart with the dark grey paint job, the applicant had a chinese name so I think we could be seeing another Tokyou/Big Bowl Noodle type place, they are doing really well at the moment, always packed. From the look of the plan on the planning explorer this one has a large kitchen and quite a bit of seating, so it should be something more than a bog standard kebab joint. Puts a smile on my face seeing places like this.

It does look quite smart, I agree. As long as it is being used, I'm happy. Also, if it is a quality place, it'll get used often enough to bring animation to that junction. Now all we need is the Scandanavia and Banksy used and were laughing.

Mexigo Grill opening on Bold St soon, where the opticians used to be.

http://www.mexigogrill.co.uk/

News on the White House pub on the corner of Berry St and Duke St.

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2011/01/06/liverpool-s-banksy-rat-to-lose-its-tail-as-work-starts-on-city-centre-pub-100252-27937842/

News on the White House pub on the corner of Berry St and Duke St.

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2011/01/06/liverpool-s-banksy-rat-to-lose-its-tail-as-work-starts-on-city-centre-pub-100252-27937842/
Great to finally see something happening here. I actually think it'll still look great with just the top half of the rat.

"gun-toting rat"

It's a marker pen you fucking idiot :lol: What the hell does that journo think all the red lines are supposed to be?!

Mexigo Grill opening on Bold St soon, where the opticians used to be.

http://www.mexigogrill.co.uk/


Without sounding like a snob its good to see Bold Street attracting more stylish brands. Central Village should enhance this process further. I really would like to see the back of Home bargains from the street, not that there's anything wrong in it in itself but it is better placed in St John's.

Anyone know WTF this is about? Is that a German Cross?

Pic by alfplant2009 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/44851122@N06/) on Flickr
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5205/5336589995_41f499b800_b.jpg

Anyone know WTF this is about? Is that a German Cross?




Yes, it's an Iron Cross

Very weird stuff, but it's worth bearing in mind (I suppose) that the iron cross is a symbol of the German armed forces both before the nasty Nazis and also of the current democracy's Nato-allied forces. Hitler's mob preferred a modernist straight-edged version rather than the traditionally curvy number on that VW camper-van above.

Yep spot on. Originally it was a medal awarded in the Prussian military. Here's General Blücher, of the Battle of Waterloo fame, sporting his.

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x167/yoshef/bleucher-1-sized.jpg

What do you think about the Finnish Freedom Cross?

http://fi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiedosto:Vapaudenristi.JPG

^^Hm, swastika/Tudor Rose combo. Eye catching I give it that. :uh:

Interesting. The Finnish air force used a swastika roundel before the Nazis adopted it.

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x167/yoshef/5a606d0a.jpg

^^^^The swaztika has been around in Europe for at least 3,000 years. It's a Hindu symbol. It was found on pottery in Italy dating from 1000 BC. A link with the Indo-European language groups . It should in fact be a unifying symbol for a lot of the peoples of Eurasia . The name for father in Italian, Pater, Indic languages, pitar, German fater and so on. Proto Indo-European.

here in the Euskal Herria/Basque Country traditional and very very ancient tombstones look very much like the svastika and they symbolise the sun

^^Yeah, the swastika is meant to be a sun symbol. I guess it looks like how the sun does when one tries to gaze directly at it and becomes dazzled.

My dad's got a very old copy of Kipling's The Jungle Book. On its spine is a whacking great swastika. Missing on more recent editions of course...

Interesting. The Finnish air force used a swastika roundel before the Nazis adopted it.

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x167/yoshef/5a606d0a.jpg

Indeed.

Finnish Air Force emblem.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Finland_Air_force.gif

Presidential Standard of Finland.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Presidential_Standard_of_Finland.svg

here in the Euskal Herria/Basque Country traditional and very very ancient tombstones look very much like the svastika and they symbolise the sun

The pottery found in Italy with the Swaztika were grave/burial goods. That would suggest that although the symbol now is almost exclusively confined to the Hindu religion, where it mean something like 'well being' the sign itself probably pre-dates Hinduism. Pity is has such poisonous connotations today.

Glad to report that work has started on 82-84 Duke St. That's the red brick building opposite Bibby's, latterly known as Arena House. It is being converted into apartments, I think. Scaffolding gone up.

Student apartments I think. Makes sense around there and much swankier than in my student days.
http://northgate.liverpool.gov.uk/DocumentExplorer/Application/folderview.aspx?type=MVMPRD_DC_PLANAPP&key=763651

It's good to see the momentum for development / renovation being maintained in Ropewalks / China Town. It occurred to me that it might stall.

Went passed ther today. Plenty of workmen and the scaffolding is full height. I was worried it might be a facade clean up or something but it looks like work is properly underway here.

From the Echo -

Liverpool’s Seel Street to be made one-way

CONGESTION problems in the city centre have led to changes in the way traffic is allowed to operate around Liverpool’s clubland.

In a bid to increase safety and minimalise queuing, Seel Street will become one-way between David Lewis Street and Berry Street, with traffic travelling towards Berry Street, from today.

Concerns were raised by the police and Ropewalks residents due to a lack of any formal arrangement for traffic on the street.

Article continues here - http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2011/01/14/liverpool-s-seel-street-to-be-made-one-way-100252-27983394/

So let me get this straight. If you want to access the Hanover Street MSCP, you now can't use the lower part of Seel Street, as the traffic is one-way in the opposite direction. I believe there are also restrictions to traffic on Parr Street/Wolstenholme Square/Gradwell Street, preventing access this way. In addition, you can't turn right into Hanover Street from Duke Street, nor is general traffic along Hanover Street any further up than Gradwell Street (precluding access from the top end at the Adelphi, or Wood Street).

Therefore, the only way I can see to access the MSCP is to approach from Liver Street (thereby passing right by the John Lewis MSCP), and turn the corner from the non-pedestrianised part of Paradise Street into Hanover Street. No wonder nobody ever uses this car park. It's almost impossible to get to.

http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/assets/_files/cached/img/402x306.324/jan_11/pnw__1296478020_Ropewalks_Lpool_II.jpg
Concert Square in Liverpool's Ropewalks

EH guide applauds Ropewalks work
31 Jan 2011, 13:53

English Heritage has praised work done to revive Liverpool's Ropewalk district of the city centre in a new good practice guide.

Valuing Places: Good Practice in Conservation Areas cites Ropewalks as an example of how statutory action by the local authority, financial incentives and grant aid can breathe new life into a neglected area.

The ropewalks, a central district of 18th century merchants' houses and business premises in Duke Street, suffered years of dereliction before intensive public investment re-started in 1989.

Twenty buildings in Ropewalks have benefitted from £1.4m in grants from the Heritage Lottery fund, the North West Development Agency, Liverpool City Council and English Heritage.

Urgent works notices have also been served on the owners of many buildings to encourage them to make repairs.

After five Urgent Works Notices were served on owners, a further 20 owners repaired properties before their notices were issued.

However, binge drinking in Concert Square's bars is the cause for complaint among local residents in the area. Liverpool Vision and the council are planning to 'design out' the excessive drinking culture by introducing a greater range of catering into the square.

Henry Owen-John, English Heritage's regional director, said: "The report aims to inspire councils, civic societies and community groups to replicate the methods and success achieved by others, as highlighted in a series of powerful case studies. Conservation areas offer a golden opportunity for people to take heritage into their own hands and to decide what they value and how they want to protect and enhance it. These are places where people live, work and play - whether or not they are well cared for has a huge affect on our quality of life."

The guide advocates a three three-step process to improving conservation areas, underpinned by the need to gain and maintain popular support:


get general agreement on what elements of the conservation area are architecturally or historically significant
find ways of protecting these while providing guidance on how less important elements can be adapted or replaced to meet society's changing needs
ensure that new buildings and changes reinforce local character rather than detract from it.

For a copy of Valuing Places: Good Practice in Conservation Areas you can download a pdf from www.english-heritage.org.uk/conservationareas or contact Customer Services Tel: 0870 333 1181 customers@english-heritage.org.uk

Source: Place North West (http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/8200-eh-guide-applauds-ropewalks-work.html)

^^ That document is on this part of the site and is on page 43.

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/publications/valuing-places/

^^^^

Yay, that’s my manor! There’s still a lot to do though, especially on Duke Street. The street has so much potential; I love the way it links the Georgian Quarter to Liverpool One.

It’s funny, I can never understand why people choose to live in this area, and then go on to complain about the nightlife. I can only assume they must’ve lived here before Cream et al. moved in. A couple of years back, I wrote to the police and city council in support of Mary at Swiftdrinks (http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2008/01/24/early-last-orders-for-24-hour-booze-sales-100252-20387506/) aka The 24hr Booze Place (next to the Mayflower on Duke Street) keeping its 24hr licence. Unfortunately, despite my best efforts, their hours were reduced. Thing is, I want to live in a 24hr city centre. If I wanted peace and quiet I’d move to one of Liverpool’s bucolic suburbs.

Incidentally, I wonder if all this investment in the city centre is having a “ripple effect” on the Greater Liverpool regions? I hope so.

Ropewalks circa 2007 ('Penelope' by Jorge Pardo in the foreground)

http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/3154/p5200314q.jpg (http://img18.imageshack.us/i/p5200314q.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Hmmm, I don't know what they've been doing to it optimisation-wise, but that Ropewalks Liverpool (http://www.ropewalksliverpool.com/) website has dropped right down the rankings. Shame as I think with support it could be a really useful resource for this quarter of the city. Does anyone on here know who maintains the site, is it a development agency?

Iliad converts offices into fitness club

Iliad Group has signed gym operator VO2 Active to an 11,000 sq ft unit at East Village in Duke Street, Liverpool.

Work is about to start on the conversion of office space into the gym, designed by Manchester practice, Formroom Architects.

Formroom's managing director, Tim Groom, said: "East Village is already a hub for creative and thriving businesses, with restaurants, leisure spaces and public piazzas. Introducing a high specification gym will work to attract even more residents and revenue to the area. The building itself provides a great space for a high quality gym, promoting fitness and motivation within a contemporary setting.

"The gym represents a £1.5m investment in the local area, and has already been hailed as a welcome addition to the bustling development at East Village, Liverpool."

Completion is due in September.

http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/8433-iliad-converts-offices-into-fitness-club.html

And gyms are open late, even 24hr - good for the local vibe.

fantastic news...who is next?

I noticed on the Iliad website that they are talking up their East Village Phase 2 scheme of late.

Maybe they are gonig on site soon?

East Village 2 approved.

Also saw new windows in the student block under construction on Duke St.
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj32/buggedboy/IMAG0170.jpg

East village,New Mersey retail,Central Village etc etc...Do we detect a bit of confidence returning?,Or maybe a loosening of the purse strings by the banks.

http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/assets/_files/cached/img/402x225.33984375/mar_11/pnw__1301477677_Formroom_East_Village(2).jpg

Iliad's student project approved
30 Mar 2011, 10:37

Iliad's proposals for a 262-bedroom student accommodation scheme in East Village, central Liverpool have been granted planning consent.

The designs by Manchester-based Formroom Architects for the new building on Kent Street include 36 individual studios which include their own kitchen. There will be onsite management facilities, 28 under-croft parking spaces and communal student facilities such as a common room and launderette.

"This project sets a new standard in student accommodation," said Formroom's managing director, Tim Groom. "The creative design of the scheme, along with the incorporation of quality construction materials, offers a new type of better-quality accommodation for students."

The street facing elevations will use black brick with traditional Georgian proportioned windows that contain elements of contemporary detailing. Each block will also feature a coloured light around the parapet which allows the building to take on a different persona at night time.

Source: Place North West (http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/8686-iliad-s-student-project-approved.html)

04.05.2011
On our day-to-day travels we come across small snippets of information.. clues as to what is to come in RopeWalks. Some lead to dead ends, whilst others prove to be very exciting indeed!

At the moment, we're sniffing out the following trails...

News that the former Rapid furniture shop on Bold Street which has spent the last couple of years as a 'Kind' charity shop, is to become:

-A brand new gym, Student accommodation, boutique shops and a bar & restaurant.

The former Rapid shops facing the Stanley Casino on Renshaw street is to become:

-A brand new hair and beauty training centre.

The Premier Inn on Hanover Street is due to start springing from the ground this coming May.

The Neptune Theatre has been transformed inside and work is now starting on the outer facelift before it starts it's new life as the Epstein Theatre.

Work has been going on for the past 6 months inside the former 'Fireplace world' shop on Bold Street to add another floor for residential use and bring the remaining floors into the 21st century for a new as yet un-named retailer.

The former Asha Indian restaurant on Bold Street is being transformed for another new retail venture.

We have news that the old Probe Records shop is to open for business as something extremely glam and exciting, but unfortunately we can't tell you about it yet as we have an exclusive interview with it's new residents which we will bring you closer to the time of it's opening.

Shops looking for potential retailers in RopeWalks include: the former HMV on Bold Street, Zen Furniture (which is having a leaving sale at the moment), the former Jaeger store and a few others. Lets hope some great local retailers apply to ply their trade in those places.

We have exciting news from Central Village in the next few weeks, as well as a lovely interview with a local shop owner on Bold Street.

http://www.ropewalksliverpool.com/blog-and-events/news/exciting-things-were-investigating-in-ropewalks

I saw this survey today - I must admit I haven't been down Seel Street today. It's come on a bit since I was last down there...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2011/jun/06/london-gateshead-hippest-street-award

Above should have said 'I haven't been down Seel Street in a number of years...'

I received a letter from the Riverside Councillors regarding applications for late licences in the Ropewalks areas last week. I was impressed that they took the trouble to invite comments on the granting of late licences for these places.

Being the curious type, I took a walk around to figure out where these applications where for. I was surprised to find that most of the applications are for premises which are at the moment derelict or currently not licensed. For example, the building next to Heebeejeebees which I think was until recently an office; a building opposite, next door to the nuns, which I think was previously something to do with Camp America; the building held up by scaffolding on the corner of Seel Street; the building next door to that one; and finally the building on Gradwell Street which has been at some point in time a builders yard called Hastie and Patterson.

All in all, a pretty impressive list of buildings being brought back to life. Does anyone have any ideas what type of bar/restaurants any of these places will be?

Many of those places, the camp America office in particular, have had lots of applications. Nowt seems to happen though. Maybe they're rushing through more in advance of any potential cumulative impact policy.

Here's a question someone on here should be able to answer. Why is the Youth Centre on Grenville Street closed and has been for years. It must be no more than 15 years old at the most. I know there must be a story behind its closure. Anyone care to inform me? Thanks.

Apparently it only stayed open for 1 year.

http://en-gb.facebook.com/pages/The-Grenville-Youth-Community-Project-Campaign/162581840431671?viewas=0&sk=info

Property developer Max Stone submits plans for three new bars in Liverpool city centre
by John Sutton, Liverpool Echo
Jul 7 2011

A LEADING property developer has submitted plans for three new bars in Liverpool’s Ropewalks – prompting fears of overkill.

Members of the public had until today to object to the plans put forward by three companies connected to Max Stone, the man involved in much of the property development in the Ropewalks area of the city.

Seel Street, which has become a focal point for drinkers and was last month branded one of the “hippest” streets in the UK by internet search engine Google, sees three applications for bars.

But the street may have become a victim of its own success, as Liverpool city councillors are considering applying a cumulative impact policy to stop the area becoming overrun with bars and nightclubs.

Wendy Dixon and Max Stone have submitted a licensing application for 78 Seel Street, while Okewood Heritage, a London-based firm of which Mr Stone is a listed director, have put in two licensing applications to develop the basement and ground floor and first and second floor of 57-59 Seel Street.

Frensons, a property company based at Gambier Terrace and of which Mr Stone is a director, have put in a licensing application for 26-28 Gradwell Street, the road that runs parallel to Seel Street.

The ECHO understands the developers plan to open three new bars at the sites by the end of the year.

The two on Seel Street are opposite each other and close to the popular late night venues Alma de Cuba and Heebie Jeebies.

All the bars have applied to sell alcohol up until 4am, and play music until 4.30am.

When the ECHO approached Mr Stone about his plans he declined to comment.

But Cllr Steve Munby, who represents the Riverside Ward where the properties are, said there were enough bars in the Ropewalks area and the focus should be on diversity.

He told the ECHO: “I think if you asked most people, they’d say more late night bars simply aren’t needed.

“We need to concentrate on being a full, 24-hour destination, not just a night time destination.”

Source: Liverpool Echo (http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2011/07/07/property-developer-max-stone-submits-plans-for-three-new-bars-in-liverpool-city-centre-100252-29008515/)

In Ropewalks today and felt utter despair at the site of the still neglected Georgian terraces on Duke Street! What happened to the last administrations warning to Frensons (I'm assuming their Frenson's) that if they didn't do something with these buildings they would purchase them compulsory? Given this was a LibDem move has Labour kept up the heat on Frenson's?

In Ropewalks today and felt utter despair at the site of the still neglected Georgian terraces on Duke Street! What happened to the last administrations warning to Frensons (I'm assuming their Frenson's) that if they didn't do something with these buildings they would purchase them compulsory? Given this was a LibDem move has Labour kept up the heat on Frenson's?

I think I've made this point before, but I have a book called Liverpool Street Names with photos of the city from years ago. There is a photo in it of the same terrace, which shows clearly that they were virtually derelict at the time the photo was taken. The year? 1950.

I think I've made this point before, but I have a book called Liverpool Street Names with photos of the city from years ago. There is a photo in it of the same terrace, which shows clearly that they were virtually derelict at the time the photo was taken. The year? 1950.


This is my favourite area of the city centre and something should be done!

Its taking shape, slowly, but there are still major blights, such as the building on Slater St, another Frensons still boarded up despite a number of promises. Liverpool really needs to concentrate more on improving Duke Street. The council needs to be tougher on owners of derelict properties.

Ichiban, Japanese for the number one, will be the name of a new Asian fusion restaurant opening it's doors to the public of RopeWalks within the next 2 weeks. Serving dishes from the likes of China, Japan, Malaysia and more, it will take the place of Asha.

Asha was an Indian restaurant which had been open since 1964 and was one of Liverpool's first Indian restaurants. It was a great loss to Bold Street.

Another space due to open within the next month is a chic Cafe called Brio. This will open in the old Rapid furniture shop building. This building now also contains 'Student pods' on the highest level. These pods are high class city centre student Living and offer such things as a gym, a copy shop and large flat screens in each of the rooms.

http://www.ropewalksliverpool.com/blog/view/two-new-venues-to-open-on-bold-street

I meant to post this about 2 weeks ago but forgot. I saw about 6 vans from one of the big lift companies parked up on Cornwallis Street every day for about a week behind the Scandinavian Hotel. I don't know for sure they were working in there, but I hope so. Might mean they are making sure the lifts work in preparation of the refurb. Anyone hear anything?

Get set for a season of sizzling Summer Sundays

Summer Sundays are set to showcase Ropewalks Square and the new-look Concert Square. Running from 1pm - 5pm the squares will come alive with street performances from jugglers, magicians, stilt walkers, poets, musicians, singers, floor drawing and novelty acts.

Can't wait to see Urban Canvas at the James Carling International Pavement Arts Festival in late September?

You don't have to as Urban Canvas are visiting the city a month early to offer your family the chance to take part in learning a 500 year old chalking technique!

Head down to Ropewalks Square (outside FACT) this Sunday 7th August to be part of a creative masterpiece.

Sunday 7th August (1pm-5pm)

Urban Canvas (Rope Walks Square)

Using a 500 year old chalking technique and introducing poster paints, artist's pastels and pavement chalks to create massive works of art that knows no boundaries.

Artemis Productions (Concert Square)

Get retro with Stag, Randy & Kid Velcro and cringe as the groovy trio deliver their cheesy one liners and chat up lines. The jokes are as old as their hairstyles!

Lord of the Bins (Concert Square)

Gandalf the Garbage and Frodo Bin-Baggins are two very special puppets perched on their very own bins with a mission to save Middle Earth with their recycling message.

Sunday 14th August (1pm - 5pm)

Granny Turismo (Ropewalks & Concert Square)

When Mary & Marge arrive on their souped up shopping trolleys with their pumping tunes everyone takes notice!

Calvos (Ropewalks & Concert Square)

Otherworldly silver characters manipulate crystal balls that glide, float, dance and levitate around their hands, arms and bodies. Delightfully mesmeric and elegant.

Robin Fox (Ropewalks & Concert Square)

Robin combines a unique comedy style with a fine range of costumes, mind boggling magic and exceptional sleight of hand.

Sunday 21st August (1pm - 5pm)

Prince Mint & The Glam Chops

Join the Prince, Purdy and Dook as they blast through the square playing their rocket rainbow rocking rhythms.

Oyster Opera in Disguise

We can't tell you or it will ruin the suprise!

Culture Crawl

Music, poetry and drama from Liverpool Culture Crawl - a team of artists dedicated to bringing life to our public spaces. Performances will gladdent the heart, elevate the mind and move the body.

Plan to expand Liverpool bar into residential block delayed by council
by Marc Waddington, Liverpool Daily Post
Aug 11 2011

PLANS to expand a city centre bar in the heart of Liverpool’s pub and club scene have been put on ice over nearby residents’ concerns about noise and antisocial behaviour.

Revolution, on Wood Street, wants to extend into a former gallery in the Tea Factory, but people living in the building said they already had to tolerate enough disruption from the numerous nightspots in the area.

The application has been objected to by council deputy leader Cllr Paul Brant, who supported residents in their opposition .

At a planning meeting, Liverpool council heard from objectors how drunks had smashed open the glass doors at the entrance to apartments in the Tea Factory.

Resident Natasha Sleave, who lives in the building, said: “The violence, general noise and nuisance is making the lives of residents miserable.”

The report of the application recognises the challenge of “managing emerging conflicts between night time activities and residential accommodation”.

Planning officers recommended the application for approval. But planning committee chair Cllr John Macintosh said any decision should be delayed until after a site visit.

Source: Liverpool Daily Post (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2011/08/11/plan-to-expand-liverpool-bar-into-residential-block-delayed-by-council-92534-29216280/)

Firmly agree. I live in the Tea Factory and it is getting ridiculous. We are five floors up and yet the vibration gets worse and worse each week. We've had the owner of Revolution in our apartment with some sound experts brought in by the council and yet still, they dont seem to be able to curb the noise.....week days are a real problem.

None of the residents want to be kill joys and we all of course enjoy a night out but the noise coming from Bars in the area, particularily Peacocks too, who insist on throwing all their windows open and cranking up the volume is getting really excessive.:nuts:

Bad news then. This scheme on Seel St backs onto a garage opposite Igloo. This is being extended and converted into a terrace for the bar.

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj32/buggedboy/IMAG0824.jpg

I noticed, today, a new development on Parr Street. It is being built in an old garage. It will be called 'The Brink', and is to be a 'dry' restaurant( no alcohol) and coffee bar. It is being funded by Addaction, and will also house counselling rooms for people being treated for addictions.

It looked very impressive inside. It is being officially launched on August 29th, and will open in September.

http://i1122.photobucket.com/albums/l537/openlyjane/P1030211.jpg

Opening at the top end of Bold Street.

http://i1122.photobucket.com/albums/l537/openlyjane/P1030211.jpg

Opening at the top end of Bold Street.

http://www.ludusbar.co.uk/wp-content/gallery/gallery/cafe-brio-2.jpg

http://www.ludusbar.co.uk/wp-content/gallery/gallery/cafe-brio-5.jpg

http://www.ludusbar.co.uk/wp-content/gallery/gallery/cafe-brio-8.jpg

Thanks bluey but those pics appear to be of the interior of a Los Angeles bar: www.edisondowntown.com/main.htm.

Maybe the Cali joint is an inspiration.

Thanks bluey but those pics appear to be of the interior of a Los Angeles bar: www.edisondowntown.com/main.htm.

Maybe the Cali joint is an inspiration.

Was going to ask how all that got into a building on Bold Street!

But if it is in LA, why is it on a co.uk website?

ANOTHER CONCERT SQUARE MONG-MAGNET "THE FUNKY BOX", A.K.A. "THE FISHY MINGE". SET TO LOSE LICENSE (HOPEFULLY) AFTER THIS.....

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/aug/24/nose-ears-lips-attack-liverpool

GOOD RIDDANCE. ONLY SEVERAL HUNDRED MORE OF THEM TO GO.

E.T.A. I CAN'T REMEMBER ANYBODY EVER IN DANGER OF LOSING HALF THEIR FACIAL FEATURES OUTSIDE THE CASA OR THE CABIN. AT LEAST NOT BY ANOTHER PUNTER.

Was going to ask how all that got into a building on Bold Street!

But if it is in LA, why is it on a co.uk website?

You are looking at the Bold St bar's website. Some of the images it has used however are from a rather distant source, it appears.

JUST READIN IN THE ECHO THE ACCOUNT OF WHAT THIS NUTCASE ACTUALLY DID.
UTTER PSYCHOPATH. DESERVES LIFE BEHIND BARS.

BAR CLAIMING IT'S NOT ANYTHING TO DO WITH THEM. LIKE AS IF YOU'RE TOTALLY INNOCENT ABOUT THE SORT OF FERAL MEFFS YOU MARKET YOURSELVES TO. PRICKS.

Funky adj. Foul smelling, rotten (lit.).
Box n. (inform., usually vulgar) vulva.

Put it together and what you you get?

The most annoying advert in Christendom - which is saying something

Funky Box
7 a.m.
£1 shots

repeat ad nauseum

might suggest that they might have something to do with it.

Disgusting, but does the Guardian provide such coverage of brunken attacks in all city and town centres? Such things go on in all city centres. Are they now providing a local news service for Liverpool, or is it more of the Guardian's agenda to attack Liverpool?

^^ agreed

Liverpool and Manchester, along with Bristol (and more? I couldn't find any right now) now have their own sections: www.guardian.com/uk/nameofcity.

Part of their rumoured evolution into a web-based news service perhaps? A online rival to the BBC with the printed version being phased out? Crazy idea but that's what some media commentators are suggesting might be its future plans.

People living in the City Centre complaining about noise? How about they move all the bars, restaurants and retail to Norris Green so the noise and clutter does not upset you.

Oh the lord.

Disgusting, but does the Guardian provide such coverage of brunken attacks in all city and town centres? Such things go on in all city centres. Are they now providing a local news service for Liverpool, or is it more of the Guardian's agenda to attack Liverpool?

OH DO CHANGE THE FUCKING RECORD.

WHEN THESE "DRUNKEN" JAPES YOU SPEAK OF INVOLVE CLEANLY BITING OFF SOME LAD'S EARS, NOSE, TOP LIP AND GNAWING AT THEIR CHEEK AFTER HAVING PUNCHED THEM IN THE HEAD NINE TIMES, I'M PRETTY SURE THEY FUCKING DO.

IDIOT.

The most annoying advert in Christendom - which is saying something

Funky Box
7 a.m.
£1 shots

repeat ad nauseum

might suggest that they might have something to do with it.

It is all over the internet, the same story repeated verbatim in local papers all over the world! Google the horrid words "face bitten off" and you will see.

Dig deeper, and, disgustingly, you will find that there are other cases of people having lips, ears and noses bitten in cities around Britain. This one has become massive because it combines them, its not just the lips, not just ears, not just nose, but "face" bitten off. And maybe the story has been pushed because it's Liverpool, we can't know the motivation of those who have promoted it as a story although obviously the Guardian has a track record in this regard so must be treated with suspicion.

In any event, whomever is responsible, that person has caused the city a huge amount of economic damage. As with the riots, any punishment should reflect not just the circumstances of the individual case, but the wider damage to the reputation and wealth of the city and wider consequences on the citizens.

I sense that this guy has cost the city millions, and will have cost some people the difference between a job and the dole, and the difference between getting by and being completely broke. I think the sentence has to reflect this. There will be many victims as well as the poor bloke who now suffers years of pain and distress. And countless people will need to work hard, do great things and really make an effort to create a good impression about the city just to nuetralise the harm this one animal has caused.

This is surely unpardonable.

Once the culprit is identified and convicted (someone is in custody but not yet tried so we dont know if its him) there needs to be a good hard look at him and his family, at the record of how they have contributed to the city or detracted from it.

As with looters, maybe the city needs to find some way of excluding people like this who cannot behave themselves - after all, as he didn't seem to attempt murder, he might get away with a relatively short sentence and be standing next to you in a bar in town in five years time. So how does the city protect itself against him and, if they are found to harbour, nurture or condone such savagery, his immediately family? Is there a need for new powers of exile?

Not wholly sure of the relevance of my previous post, (citing the apparent raison d'etre of this shithole, ie staying open till ridiculous hours, accepting scores of already seriously drunk teens / young adults, encouraging them to consume cheap, strange, foul-tasting concoctions with the sole intention of annihilating their bodies, then ejecting them into the street and subsequently playing Pontius Pilate) to the above

Not wholly sure of the relevance of my previous post, (citing the apparent raison d'etre of this shithole, ie staying open till ridiculous hours, accepting scores of already seriously drunk teens / young adults, encouraging them to consume cheap, strange, foul-tasting concoctions with the sole intention of annihilating their bodies, then ejecting them into the street and subsequently playing Pontius Pilate) to the above

It wasn't entirely random, but maybe it could have been clearer. You appear to be blaming the club. I am blaming the culprit and -potentially once we know about them - his family. It's horrendously shocking, really horrendous, I don't see how cheap drink or late hours is relevant. Here we have someone commiting an act of such appalling savagery that there was plainly something else going on, who knows, as regards personality, character, previous behaviour......? We don't yet know who did it, so it's a bit difficult to conjecture. But the club? They didn't do it. Selling cheap drinks, being too loud, and staying open late, isn't the same as biting someones face off. The club may well attract more than its fair share of low life, I don't know, but it's the low life whose behaviour is a problem, not the club they gravitate towards. The club may have committed serious crimes against good taste and bourgois manners, and personally I hate the fact that people patronise such places, it's not how I wish the world was, but presumably many thousands of people have enjoyed their time there and not gone outside to behave like a wild animal biting the facial features off a fellow human.

I'm far more interested in where this guy lives, his neighbourhood, his housing and education and employment and health situation, his family and their background and circumstances, why he is like he is and why he behaved like that, rather than bothering with some tatty club he happened to get out of his head in before committing this depraved act.

http://thebrinkliverpool.com/

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj32/buggedboy/IMAG0942.jpg

Poor old Mexigo. I liked that place.

Poor old Mexigo. I liked that place.

It's somewhere I meant to try out but never got round to it. Always smelled nice when I went past. I like the idea of fast Mexican food.

The chains are just getting into this market, copying the ubiquitous Chipotle in the States. For a while there was an opening for indies, which is what Mexigo was. The cheap beer and burrito deal that they had while great I suppose was a sign that they hadn't taken off too well. It wasn't ever that empty though.

Maybe the rent was too high. However, you can get basically the same menu down in Liverpool One in the Barburrito branch there.

From the Planning Explorer -

Application Number - 11F/2382
Site Address - The White House 60 Berry Street Liverpool L1 4JQ
Proposal - To convert basement/ground floor to cafe/restaurant (Class A3) and upper floor to 2 self-contained residential apartments (Class C3).
Applicant - Ascot Properties UK Ltd

From here - http://northgate.liverpool.gov.uk/PlanningExplorer17/Generic/StdDetails.aspx?PT=Planning%20Applications%20On-Line&TYPE=PL/PlanningPK.xml&PARAM0=800112&XSLT=/PlanningExplorer17/SiteFiles/Skins/Liverpool_M3/xslt/PL/PLDetails.xslt&FT=Planning%20Application%20Details&PUBLIC=Y&XMLSIDE=&DAURI=PLANNING

It'd be good to see this one happen.

Taken from an email I received from Tapas Tapas.

Coming Soon... Bar Bodega


We are currently in the process of refurbishing the basement area of our Liverpool city centre establishment, to make it into a Spanish bar.



We thought that the name "Bodega" suits it perfectly, as it means "wine cellar" in Spanish. Indeed, it incorporates our wrought iron wine cellar, and also has beautiful exposed brick arches, very similar in style to what you may see in a little taverna in Seville or Cordoba. It was originally used as stables to the Georgian townhouse that lies above it on Colquitt Street, when the property was constructed in the mid-1700's, and is Grade II listed.


Bar Bodega will have an independent entrance on Colquitt Street, which is just off Seel Street, and is close to Lago's. You will also be able to access from the restaurant, so it will be perfect for that before or after drink. We will be offering Spanish beers such as San Miguel and Mahou on draught, as well as Spanish & Continental bottled beers. All of your favourite Spanish wines will be on offer, as well as a tempting cocktail list.



We hope to have the project finished by late November, just in time for those Christmas parties!


For details of how the refurbishment is going, please follow our Twitter account over the next few weeks, as we will be posting updates.

Ascot, hey? Tick, tick, tick, tick, boom! As Jeffrey and Willard might say.

The chains are just getting into this market, copying the ubiquitous Chipotle in the States. For a while there was an opening for indies, which is what Mexigo was. The cheap beer and burrito deal that they had while great I suppose was a sign that they hadn't taken off too well. It wasn't ever that empty though.

Maybe the rent was too high. However, you can get basically the same menu down in Liverpool One in the Barburrito branch there.

They don't do quesadillas in Barburrito though. That was the best thing about Mexigo.

Ah, despair.

That is a type of cheesy omelette isn't it? Had one in California once for breakfast, without knowing what it was before I ordered it, though it sounded great on the menu. It was huge and came with a hundredweight of fries. And slaw. Plus rye toast. Yep.

Liverpool's work to breathe new life into the historic Ropewalks area of the city has won national praise.

The Creative Ropewalks project, which has helped transform the neglected, 18th century harbour suburb into a fashionable, creative and attractive quarter has received a commendation at the prestigious Georgian Group Architectural Awards.

Liverpool grouped several building restorations projects into one entry for the awards. Together they saw the city shortlisted in the ‘Restoring a Georgian Building in an Urban Setting’ category. The projects were:

• 94-98 Seel Street – restoration of front façade of three Georgian houses
• 100-104 Seel Street – restoration of front façade roof and rear façade of three Georgian houses
• 45 Seel Street – complete restoration of one vacant and derelict Georgian terraced house to create two floors of offices and two self-contained flats
• 47 Seel Street – complete restoration of one derelict Georgian terraced house to create four floors of offices

• 79-85 Seel Street – restoration of exterior elevations. Repairs have stabilised building until viable use can be found.
• 75-77 Bold Street – Refurbishment of façade and new roof. Structural repairs to stop collapse of outriggers. New shopfronts.

Liverpool’s application for the award highlighted the programme of enforcement action undertaken by the city council in recent years. Supported by £1.5 million in North West Development Agency funding, the programme has seen owners instructed to tidy land and buildings, and the issue of urgent works notices to ensure owners carry out essential repairs to preserve buildings.

The ‘Stop the Rot’ media campaign, to shame owners into repairing buildings, and its success in bringing neglected buildings back into use, was also highlighted.

The judging panel included architectural historians Dr John Martin Robinson, Professor David Watkin and Emeritus Professor John Wilton-Ely; and architecture critic Jonathan Glancey.

They praised Liverpool for its effective, co-ordinated grant and enforcement action to rescue and restore disused and derelict Georgian properties in the Ropewalks area, highlighting the positive impact of the external restoration of several buildings at risk on the ‘notoriously derelict Georgian street’.

Liverpool City council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, Councillor Malcolm Kennedy, said: “A huge amount of work, from a range of partners, has gone into making Ropewalks the place it is today, so I’m naturally delighted that this work has received national recognition.

“The transformation of the Ropewalks area has been one of the great success stories of Liverpool in the last decade. It is now an area with enormous energy, creativity and diversity, with a great mix of historic buildings providing a backdrop for the area’s vibrant, contemporary and alternative feel.

“This praise from the Georgian Group is well deserved and I’m particularly pleased that the effective enforcement work we have undertaken to bring buildings back into use has been highlighted by the judges. Much has been achieved in the past decade, but there is still so much potential to be unleashed. We will continue to work together to promote Ropewalks as a distinctive, well-managed, clean and environmentally friendly area.”

Liverpool’s Ropewalks area was first developed as a harbour suburb, after the world’s first commercial wet dock in 1715. After the First World War, the closure of the South Docks resulted in the slow decline of the area, leaving many vacant buildings which gradually fell into dereliction.

Over the last 10 years, a high quality regeneration programme has seen the development of many creative industries within Ropewalks, as well as a number of high profile schemes, new public spaces and improved pubic realm. The area, which is also a major retail and leisure quarter also pioneered the revival of city centre living and has seen many success stories including the Foundation for Art and Creative Technology, East Village, base2stay Hotel , the Tea Factory and Vanilla Factory in the quarter.

It includes a large inner city conservation area containing many listed buildings, with part of this in the city’s World Heritage Site. Many of the once neglected Georgian terraces have been restored using Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) funding and are now home to thriving businesses or new residents.

The Georgian Group Architectural Awards recognise exemplary conservation and restoration projects in the UK and reward those who have shown the vision and commitment to restore Georgian buildings and landscapes. Awards are also given for high-quality new buildings in Georgian contexts and new architecture in the Classical tradition.

The 2011 awards received a record 80 entries. Only one in four applications to the awards receive any sort of recognition, so Liverpool’s commendation is a massive thumbs-up from national experts.

Most of the contributing projects included in Liverpool’s award entry were helped by Townscape Heritage Initiative grants and Heritage Lottery Funding; while one was encouraged by enforcement action underwritten by Creative Ropewalks.

http://www.liverpool.gov.uk/news/details.aspx?id=210040

Mr Chilli Chinese restaurant to open in Elysia Feilds, Seel St.
http://www.ropewalksliverpool.com/blog/view/new-chinese-restaurant-for-seel-street

New cafe opening in old Tea House, Bold St
http://www.ropewalksliverpool.com/blog/view/tea-house-on-bold-street-becomes-cafe-de-pearl

Bold Street to get Minority Report style technologyAn amazing new technology will soon be upon us in the form of Microsoft's innovative Surface.
The interactive table will be a feature of the new Ludus Sports Cafe, a new development on RopeWalks Square.
Micorsoft has shown demos of what it's surface can do:
Imagine a scenario that would require splitting a bill between 5 people. Everyone would place their own personal credit/debit card down on the surface, the menu items or drinks from a bar tab would be displayed in full HD, and these could then be dragged into a circle around the individual cards which would then be charged accordingly. There would even be a slider attached to the circle to allow you to adjust the tip percentage on a bill for service charge should you choose to add this.

You can view an interactive menu, select items and they will be brought to you. This means no-one will bother you whilst you decide what to have. As its interactive, you will be able to see ingredients - especially handy if you may be allergic to something or are on a calorie controlled diet. When items such as drinks are placed on the surface, interactive light shows subtly come to life, interacting with your purchase. If you would like another, just say and it will be brought. This could also be a good way to keep tabs on how much you've drank if the refreshments are listed. Alcohol content might be clearly displayed.

As this is a Sports Cafe, it would be highly likely that the sport of your choice could be displayed on the surface, and that stats could be brought up if people would like to view them. Its half time... rather than watch the mid-way match analysis, how about a game of flick football on the surface.. don't worry, you can still keep an eye on when the second half kicks off with the picture in picture display.
These are all just examples, but it really shows the way things will be different from now on. This will be the second iteration on the surface. The first, introduced in 2007 was bulky and cumbersome, and was extremely expensive. It had to use cameras inside the table in order to work. This version, produced in collaboration with Samsung, is only 4" thick, features extremely tough Gorilla glass, (but still be careful!), and has no cameras. Instead, each individual pixel of the surface is a camera. This means it will work exceptionally accurately. Its also a lot faster than it's predecessor too. Expect bars to be made fully of banks of Microsoft's surface in the future.
Ludus opens its doors on the 10th December, with Surface coming in the new year

http://www.ropewalksliverpool.com/blog/view/bold-street-to-get-minority-report-style-technology

Iliad's £20m student scheme, "St. Michael's" is about to go on site.

Good news.
http://www.ropewalksliverpool.com/blog/view/iliad-to-begin-work-on-new-20m-ropewalks-project

Bodega bar now open on Colquitt St
http://www.ropewalksliverpool.com/blog/view/chorizo-vodka-cocktails-at-new-bodega-bar

Bodega bar now open on Colquitt St
http://www.ropewalksliverpool.com/blog/view/chorizo-vodka-cocktails-at-new-bodega-bar

That looks cool.

Great news for the new development and the new bar,it's always good too see the Ropewalks making steady progress.

Anyone know where within ropwalks the development will be?

went to Bodega on Saturday, was quite nice, had only been open one day, so kinda stumbled upon it really, metaphorically of course!

Anyone know where within ropwalks the development will be?

Kent st

Looks like Hymuak House on Duke St is getting the student refurb treatment by the same peeps who are doing St Andrews Church. Looks like quite a good job from the renders.
http://www.propertyfrontiers.com/International-Real-Estate/Country/United-Kingdom/Liverpool/Duke-Street-Student-Accommodation.aspx

Great news.:)

Seems to have sold out already.
http://www.principalinternational.co.uk/property/duke-street

Looks like Hymuak House on Duke St is getting the student refurb treatment by the same peeps who are doing St Andrews Church. Looks like quite a good job from the renders.
http://www.propertyfrontiers.com/International-Real-Estate/Country/United-Kingdom/Liverpool/Duke-Street-Student-Accommodation.aspx


Does anyone know if Frensons are being held to account regarding empty Georgian terraces on Duke Street? These really detract at the top end of the road. Duke Street could do with a big hotel in the way Hanover Street has been redesigned, perhaps on the site of the former car park near the junction with Slater Street. Also does anyone know when work on the hotel in Chinatown is due to start? Duke Street should be brought back into use as a major city centre thoroughfare connecting the Anglican cathedral and China town with L1 and the waterfront.

There was going to be a smaller hotel on the site of that vacant land, but LCC refused it on teh basis that the site would also contain a big MSCP. This was deemed unacceptable.

As to teh Scandanavian Hotel. The last thig I hear was that the Cabinet approved (last month I think) a report relating the the valuation of the land that was CPO'd all that time ago. Only once that is settled I think will the scheme go ahead.

Application gone in for a bar at 25 Parr St. The same company behind Socio-Rehab in Manchester, which is ironic because the proposed site is next door to Brink.

Pic by exacta2a (http://www.flickr.com/photos/exacta2a/5859756267/in/set-72157628358257905/)
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3189/5859756267_8aaf01d760_b.jpg

Ropewalks still needs a lot of work. I was walking around there on sunday and the area around Base2stay is a bit didgy and thats putting it politely.

Ropewalks still needs a lot of work. I was walking around there on sunday and the area around Base2stay is a bit didgy and thats putting it politely.

Correct, yet the movers and shakers at the likes of Liverpool City Council would have you believe all is wonderful. If they stopped patting themselves on the back for a minute and took a walk around the area, they'd see that there is loads and loads still to be done. Very, very little has improved on Duke Street itself for the last 6 or 7 years, for example.

Anyone ever take a look at the litter which collects behind the railings at The Liverpool Institution at the junction of Seel Street and Colquitt Street? And those student flats are lived in! Disgusting! Despite me sending countless of emails over a long period of time to my local councillors nothing was ever done about it. What a disgraceful way to treat one of the most historic buildings in that part of town. Shameful!

Part of it looks like it needs a bulldozer.

Ropewalks still needs a lot of work. I was walking around there on sunday and the area around Base2stay is a bit didgy and thats putting it politely.

I think this is the same for the entire city centre. While there is continuing progress, much of the commerical district is a mess i.e. Dale Street, Victoria
Street and Tithbarn Street. The same goes for the gateway area around Lime Street and the lower end of Brownlow Hill/ London Road.

I disagree with Victoria Street I think that once the old Natwest becomes something then that will be fine. Dale Street is a mess but has a lot of potential. Lime Street is embarrassing (the actual street not the station).

Anyone ever take a look at the litter which collects behind the railings at The Liverpool Institution at the junction of Seel Street and Colquitt Street? And those student flats are lived in! Disgusting! Despite me sending countless of emails over a long period of time to my local councillors nothing was ever done about it. What a disgraceful way to treat one of the most historic buildings in that part of town. Shameful!

It'll only get worse i'm afraid, i've emailed Liverpool Direct numerous times and nothing ever gets done, have you ever looked slightly off road at grass verges/bushes, the rule seems to be that as long as the immediate pavement is clear then leave the rest, they usually blame a landlord/occupier and then say there is nothing they can do, there is no enforcement these days.

You should see some of the streets around Anfield, it's embarrassing given the amount of away fans and visitors that are literally wading through filth, i've sent in pictures in the vain hope of shaming someone but to no avail, it's accepted these days.

El Bandito Tequileria opens on Slater StreetEl Bandito aims to take our bad experiences with Tequila, and exchange them for good ones instead. This will be done, for it is the way of El Bandito!
We asked Danny Mcniell what is unique about Bandito, what makes it special. This was his reply:
El bandito is owned by the two local lads who own Santa Chupitos. John Ennis and Matt Farrell. It is contained within the same building as Santa Chupitos, however the concept and actual entrance are completely separate. I was very fortunate enough, after working for a year for matt and john in santa chupitos, that they gave me the opportunity to design and run a new project. Myself, Matt and John converted what used to be a newsagents into what you now know as El bandito. We like to think of it as a 'Tequileria'. It has a very dark, rustic interior, with a few splashes of colour from the hand made mexican tiles. It's only a small space with a capacity of 30.
We're not labelling ourselves as a shooter bar or anything like that. We are a full on tequila bar. All our cocktails are tequila based, but don't worry there is something in there for everyone. I devised the menu to accommodate people who have had a rough experience with tequila in the past, and those who already enjoy the sweet vegetal flavours it is so famous for. What we want to do is to educate people about tequila. So many of us have a bad perception about it, but in truth, it's one of the finest spirits in the world, just people haven't had access to decent tequila. We're bridging that gap and showing guests just how fantastic tequila is, not just with the quality of the products or cocktails, but with our actual own knowledge. Come down and we will tell you everything you need to know about this wonderful spirit, and hopefully make sure you have fun along the way!
Danny.
So there you have it.... another amazing hang out for you all to fall in love with. This is why we love the RopeWalks so! Sigh...

Banksy rat street art on whitehouse pub to be preserved

The Whitehouse. Its been bought numerous times by various people aiming to capitalise on the now infamous Banksy mural of a rat which takes up its entire facade. Located on the corner of Berry Street and Duke Street, the aim is to restore the former pub for use as a modern day premises.

In a positive step towards actually making this happen, Liverpool city council has approved plans for it's renovation - but this time we think it might happen. Ascot Property have secured £400,000 for the regeneration works, with the building eventually planned to house a national coffee chain. No word yet as to which one.

All of this is fantastic, as it signifies a marked investment at the entrance to Duke Street, a part of RopeWalks with huge business potential. Many fine buildings line the street awaiting entrepreneurs to take them on and capitalise on the RopeWalks' overall trend-bucking ascension in the face of gloomy national economy figures. Indeed, Liverpool as a whole is the fastest growing economy outside London. RopeWalks is a major factor in this.

We can't wait for them to get started!

http://www.ropewalksliverpool.com/blog/view/banksy-rat-street-art-on-whitehouse-pub-to-be-preserved


Interesting to see if this one finally gets off the ground. Not sure how Banksy would feel about his work adorning a Costa Coffee.

New Seel Street ‘creative hub’ granted 4am licence

A FOUR-floor creative hub that could attract renowned music artists and exhibitors to Liverpool has been approved.

The venue located at 40 Seel Street in the city centre and described as “hugely exciting” by councillors and businessmen was given the green light yesterday.

Owned by Frensons Ltd the premises will house a recording studio, photographic studio, a band rehearsal room and bar and exhibition space.

Applicant Alfie Torres insisted the venue would not become “a vertical drinking establishment”, but would be “dynamic and a boundary-less use of space.”

Mr Torres, who is behind The Masque, Jacaranda and The Peacock, said: “We are speaking to a worldwide arts exhibition to give 3D surround sound visual experience for 150 people, launched with the Arts Council.”

Mr Torres said his vision was to unveil a facility akin to the alternative Kazimier nightspot in Wolstenholme Square which grew in popularity during 2011.

Liverpool council licensing committee chairman Cllr Christine Banks granted the application to allow the as-yet unnamed venue, where studio Binary Cell is currently based, to trade and serve alcohol until 4am.

Those behind the project said they had spent £150,000 so far and would likely invest a further £150,000 to complete the venue.

Cabaret nights could become a feature of the nightspot and actress and comedian Chrissy Rock has been earmarked for a performance.

PC Stuart Moore, Merseyside Police’s licensing officer, successfully argued for the closing time to be reduced from 6am to 4am

Read More http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2012/02/08/new-seel-street-creative-hub-granted-4am-licence-100252-30286028/#ixzz1lniQOGQB

Didn't do too well with the jacaranda or masque did he?

New Seel Street ‘creative hub’ granted 4am licence

A FOUR-floor creative hub that could attract renowned music artists and exhibitors to Liverpool has been approved.

The venue located at 40 Seel Street in the city centre and described as “hugely exciting” by councillors and businessmen was given the green light yesterday.

Owned by Frensons Ltd the premises will house a recording studio, photographic studio, a band rehearsal room and bar and exhibition space.


Why not just reopen The Flying Picket?!? :|

The owners don't want it as a music venue. They chucked em out to develop it, but the recession hit. Now they are stuck with a building they cannot sell but are still trying.

The owners don't want it as a music venue. They chucked em out to develop it, but the recession hit. Now they are stuck with a building they cannot sell but are still trying.

Another example of why there should be a punitive tax levy for unproductive land grabbing.

Student scheme planned for Ropewalks paper mill

MIDDLE England Developments is to undertake another major student development project in Liverpool city centre.

The company has bought a five-storey former paper mill at Henry Street in the Ropewalks area and has already submitted plans to convert it into a scheme containing 102 ensuite student bedrooms with shared kitchen and dining areas.

The property was bought from Northern Irish developer Braidwater, which had previously announced plans to convert the building into office space but had not been able to progress with its scheme.

Middle England Developments director Nigel Russell said that his company bought the building "three or four weeks ago" and that all 102 units have already been pre-sold to investors.

It has commissioned local architects KDC which has designed a £3m refurbishment and extension that involves building a three-storey glass and steel extension on the roof of the existing five-storey building.

"The target completion date will be mid-January 2013," Mr Russell said.
The ground and lower-ground floors will contain a number of facilities including a laundry, gym and underground parking. A new central atrium will also be created.

"Whenever we do a student scheme we know that one of the most important things is to get a central location, and experience tells us that students like to be in the Ropewalks," he said.

"Two of our most popular schemes, Arena House and Oliver House, are right in town."

He added that the firm currently has around 350 building contractors on its books looking after a number of live projects such as St Andrew's Place on Rodney St and Hatton Gardens Fire Station, but said the Henry St conversion and a recently-announced project for Gradwell St could lead to more workers being appointed if planning approval is granted.

"We'll be looking to recruit around 80 people," he said.
http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/northwest/news/299320-prop-student-scheme-planned-for-ropewalks-paper-mill.html?news_section=4150

Student flats are getting a bit boring now, how long can we sustain this increase? We'd have to rely on a massive influx of international students I think. City Centre student flats will means other areas round Smithdown might lose interest as student areas. I thought that area would be more suited for normal apartments...

I know what you mean, to a degree. Saying that, having town full of students will mean fewer residents complaining about noise because they'll be the ones making the noise. We've already seen what full time residents do when they move into town. Move in, then complain about noise, which means clubs and venues get hit with noise abatement orders. As I said elsewhere too, students get recycled every year, with new ones bringing their parents virginal banks accounts with them, ready for a proverbial rodgering.

In reality though, it seems student digs are the only sustainable development at the moment. They are smaller, cheaper and can be sold individually to investors.

These guys have struck gold with their business model. I know a pensions adviser who is getting folk to cash their pension and make them invest in this kind of thing.

Student scheme planned for Ropewalks paper mill

MIDDLE England Developments is to undertake another major student development project in Liverpool city centre.

The company has bought a five-storey former paper mill at Henry Street in the Ropewalks area and has already submitted plans to convert it into a scheme containing 102 ensuite student bedrooms with shared kitchen and dining areas.

The property was bought from Northern Irish developer Braidwater, which had previously announced plans to convert the building into office space but had not been able to progress with its scheme.

Middle England Developments director Nigel Russell said that his company bought the building "three or four weeks ago" and that all 102 units have already been pre-sold to investors.

It has commissioned local architects KDC which has designed a £3m refurbishment and extension that involves building a three-storey glass and steel extension on the roof of the existing five-storey building.

"The target completion date will be mid-January 2013," Mr Russell said.
The ground and lower-ground floors will contain a number of facilities including a laundry, gym and underground parking. A new central atrium will also be created.

"Whenever we do a student scheme we know that one of the most important things is to get a central location, and experience tells us that students like to be in the Ropewalks," he said.

"Two of our most popular schemes, Arena House and Oliver House, are right in town."

He added that the firm currently has around 350 building contractors on its books looking after a number of live projects such as St Andrew's Place on Rodney St and Hatton Gardens Fire Station, but said the Henry St conversion and a recently-announced project for Gradwell St could lead to more workers being appointed if planning approval is granted.

"We'll be looking to recruit around 80 people," he said.
http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/northwest/news/299320-prop-student-scheme-planned-for-ropewalks-paper-mill.html?news_section=4150

Some images:

http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/assets/_files/cached/img/281x310/mar_12/businessdesk__1332260958_Middle_England_Developments-He.jpg?access=992T604T840

http://img.findaproperty.com/bairstow-eves/Liverpool/dp111145233.jpg?v=1

no real problem with this. It brings an unused building back into use and brings more people into the city centre. Win - win as far as I can see!

In fact i would argue that at least these apartments will have life in them as opposed to some of the largely empty investor driven apartmnet schemes in the city!

I quite like what they have done with Henry Street. I wish it was Duke Street they had done all the work to though. It's much more visible and would do wonders for teh image of the area. Still, putting where folk live off the main road means they can be more justified putting bars/clubs on Duke St.

I suspect a lot of these student homes are trojan horses. Once the economy picks up they'll get converted into regular apartments they can sell on.

I suspect a lot of these student homes are trojan horses. Once the economy picks up they'll get converted into regular apartments they can sell on.

Impossible really, without significant investment. A student development is fundamentally different to a residential one. The romos are all different sizes and orientated differently. They'd basically need to gut the whole interior, leaving only the facade. In many cases they'd also have to change the exterior to add juliet balcony's at the very least.

Iliad's £20m student scheme, "St. Michael's" is about to go on site.

Good news.
http://www.ropewalksliverpool.com/blog/view/iliad-to-begin-work-on-new-20m-ropewalks-project

Pile driver and other heavy plant now on site

Impossible really, without significant investment. A student development is fundamentally different to a residential one. The romos are all different sizes and orientated differently. They'd basically need to gut the whole interior, leaving only the facade. In many cases they'd also have to change the exterior to add juliet balcony's at the very least.

Pesky romos always ruining things. :rant:

Pile driver and other heavy plant now on site

Excellent. There's a few things going on up thereabouts now. This, premiere inn, a couple of fit outs on Seel st and one on Berry st. We're getting there.

Chinese buyers pour into Liverpool's student market


Chinese overseas property investors are “currently pouring into Liverpool” where they are finding "exciting opportunities" in student accommodation, says Ray Withers, Chief Executive of international agency group Property Frontiers.

"While Chinese investor interest is currently growing in major regeneration projects in the North West of England such as the Liverpool and Wirral Waters projects, the Liverpool student accommodation sector is attracting particular interest due to its affordable price point and double digit returns,” Withers told OPP. "At present, Chinese students make up the largest overseas student group in the UK, contributing around £2 billion to the economy.”

And “British universities are aiming to bring student numbers up to around 900,000 over the next 15 years; a quarter coming from China's growing middle classes with the hope of generating £11 billion a year in revenue.” Chinese property investors are following their students. "It is clear that the Chinese place great value on our education system” adds Withers.

“With the UK government actively promoting the Liverpool region to China, the Chinese are making the link between Liverpool and the student accommodation sector.” He is also “showing a group of investors from Singapore around our Liverpool student projects next month." Returns are good. The Knight Frank Student Property report 2012 showed that average rents for student apartments and en-suite rooms in cities like Liverpool rose by 4% to a total return of 10.5% last year.

The Paper Mill student accommodation development in Liverpool is a typical example, offering en-suite student rooms set in a refurbished building in central Liverpool available from £48,000. “Comprising 104 en-suite student rooms, The Paper Mill sits within a superior location; situated in the heart of Liverpool, adjacent to Liverpool One shopping centre and offers investors a 10% NET yield assured in year 1,” says Property Frontiers.

http://opp.org.uk/news-article.php?id=6371

It would be interesting to know what activities the UK government is involved in in promoting the Liverpool region to the Chinese investors...

Architects Shedkm have been asked by the building owners Downing to design a mixed use scheme which will include 200 student bedrooms/studios.

Shedkm are showing two CGI on their site, not sure if these are new or one
of the many schemes that this site has seen over the past 10 years.....

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc242/woody43/scand03201011145222.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc242/woody43/scand01201011145551.jpg

So much for the Marriott

I wouldn't be so sure Bugged, Downing usually do things in a big way. This could be quite a sizeable development if its mixed use.

Something needs to be done. Duke Street is a fucking mess.

Something needs to be done. Duke Street is a fucking mess.

what happened to the proposed marriott..... is there not a ceiling to the amount student accom we can put in the city centre?

what happened to the proposed marriott..... is there not a ceiling to the amount student accom we can put in the city centre?

I think the time has come to limit the amount of student accommodation in town, its getting very samey and we need more diversity and imagination.

Ropewalks and China Town should be the hub of the city centre's creative industry quarter. I think bars and restaurants are great but we have reached a limit, as we have with student flats. I would love to see the coalition make Ropewalks an enterprise zone, this would then see incipient creative talent flourish, the warehouses of Ropewalks are ideal for that purpose.

I think the time has come to limit the amount of student accommodation in town, its getting very samey and we need more diversity and imagination.

The thing is that, for the first time of any core city, Liverpool actually ran out of student accommodation last year. The demand far outstripped supply. This is just a correction.

Thing is though, private lettings can be let to students as well. Plenty of my mates in Manchester live in city centre flats, however now I'm looking for affordable city centre flats for when I return home, I can only find ones in areas like Vauxhall or Toxteth and not that close to town.

Only reason why student flats are so popular at the minute is because they have less rights in a contract and easier to mark up based on the quality of the rooms etc. Easier to rip off as well.

Also, it is easier to get investment. Guaranteed income as students will always be there and you can invest in a student room off plan for much less.

(Apologies if this has already been mentioned in another thread...)

Property firm Concert Steps in receivership | Liverpool Echo (http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2012/08/17/receivers-move-in-on-liverpool-bars-as-banks-reclaim-assets-held-by-company-part-owned-by-developer-max-stone-100252-31640870/#ixzz23v3U45nB)
MORE than 100 staff at city bars located in buildings owned by property firm Concert Steps face losing their jobs after the company’s assets were taken over by receivers.
Bailiffs arrived at the Koco bar, on the corner of Concert Square yesterday, to remove goods and chain up the building.

It is not known how many buildings in the area have been taken back by London-based Jorden Salata on the instructions of the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation. But it is understood Concert Steps owns around 20 properties in the Ropewalks area which have now been taken over by the Mayfair-based receivers.

This place opens tonight - new music-focused cafe/bar/venue in the Korova-mode. It's on Duke Street in the old Hemingways coffee shop unit. A whole bunch of local promoters are behind it so expect some cracking, credible events; we'll see if they also have the wherewithal to run a round-the-clock venue!

So anyway, will you welcome please, Sound Food and Drink.

Sound Food and Drink - meet Liverpool's new music venue

It was just on Saturday during FestEVOL we were talking to numerous Liverpool musos reflecting on the state of Liverpool's bar scene.

It was unanimous that the city is in need of an injection of fresh blood; not since the much-missed Korova, has Liverpool found a hangout that ticks all the right boxes, all of the time.

Enter Duke Street's Sound Food and Drink.

Set in the heart of Ropewalks, Sound is set to offer a plethora of daytime light bites set to a delectable soundtrack before transforming into a rock and roll hangout in the evening showcasing a range of upcoming music talent with a daily roster of the city's finest DJs.

Opening on Friday August 24, the two-week launch program will see some of the city's favourite bands and promoters from Liverpool's current music scene provide DJ sets and live performances, as well as introducing regular weekly events.

Confirmed for the opening programme are an opening live set by The Loose Moose String Band followed by Silent Sleep, Ivy and The Chance and The Hey Pedros.

Mother Earth will perform at the first live Gold Soundz event on Thursday August 30.

While on the DJ front Andrew Ellis (Gold Soundz/Samizdat), Revo (EVOL), Joe McKechnie, Bido Lito's Pink and Rare Sunday Roast, Uptight, Double Denim, Jimmy El Toro, and Bernie Connor's Sound of Music.

From September 10, Sound will roll out a weekly schedule with Monday signalling the 50s' finest back catalogues with Hail Hail Rock'n'Roll while Thursdays sees Gold Soundz present a dose of alternative 80s and 90s.

Weekends include guest DJs on Friday and Saturday nights with The Sunday Social soothing heads.

If that's not enough to whet your appetite, maybe their menu will, with Sound offering homemade soups, artisan breads, deli meats, salads, sandwiches, cakes, pastries, tea and coffee in the daytime combined with world beers, great wines and cocktails, plus cheeseboards and sharing platters for the early evening crowd.

Open from 8am til midnight, 7 days a week, this new venture is pretty much sound by us.

Sound Food and Drink
52 Duke Street, L1 5AA
0151 707 6363
www.soundfoodanddrink.co.uk

http://www.peterguy.merseyblogs.co.uk/2012/08/sound-food-and-drink---meet-li.html

Good news. If it were any other place but Liverpool the name wouldn't be a bit cheesy however.

At the above mentioned venue, August 28th is entirely devoted to Half Man Half Biscuit.

http://www.sevenstreets.com/bars-and-nightlife/radar-sound-food-and-drink-opening/

^^Sound.

I loved the original Korova. Great music and very welcoming (I'm looking at you Shipping Forecast).

Also, the perfect combination of being able to watch the concert square ladies, but not actually having to go anywhere near them.

I'm looking for a good bar or two in town for over the weekend, any suggestions? Preferably with some tacky live music.

Mello Mello, Parr St or Zanzibar perhaps?

From the Planning Explorer -

Application Number - 12F/2749
Site Address - The Watchmakers 58 - 60 Seel Street 30 Slater Street Liverpool L1 4AZ
Proposal - To retain/refurbish existing facade and new build mixed use (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, B1, sui generis) 3 storey building to rear of 58 and refurbishment/change of use of 60 Seel Street/30 Slater Street into (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, B1, sui generis) with C3, C4, residential use to upper floors and erection of single storey extension
Applicant - Seel Street Estates LLP

From here - http://northgate.liverpool.gov.uk/PlanningExplorer17/Generic/StdDetails.aspx?PT=Planning%20Applications%20On-Line&TYPE=PL/PlanningPK.xml&PARAM0=838192&XSLT=/PlanningExplorer17/SiteFiles/Skins/Liverpool_WIP/xslt/PL/PLDetails.xslt&FT=Planning%20Application%20Details&PUBLIC=Y&XMLSIDE=&DAURI=PLANNING

This is the building on the corner of Seel Street and Slater Street which has been 'wrapped' in scaffolding to prevent it collapsing for the better part of a decade now.

Also from the Planning Explorer -

Application Number - 12F/1979
Site Address - 56 Seel Street Liverpool L1 4BE
Development Typealterations to building, res dev:2-9 units/under 0.5ha
Proposal - To retain/refurbish existing facade and re-construct three-storey 10 no. bedroom student townhouse with basement.
Applicant - Seel Street Estates LLP

From here - http://northgate.liverpool.gov.uk/PlanningExplorer17/Generic/StdDetails.aspx?PT=Planning%20Applications%20On-Line&TYPE=PL/PlanningPK.xml&PARAM0=828972&XSLT=/PlanningExplorer17/SiteFiles/Skins/Liverpool_WIP/xslt/PL/PLDetails.xslt&FT=Planning%20Application%20Details&PUBLIC=Y&XMLSIDE=/PlanningExplorer17/SiteFiles/Skins/Liverpool_WIP/Menus/PL.xml&DAURI=PLANNING

This adjacent to the Watchmaker's on Seel Street and apart from the façade is effectively a vacant site, hence the re-build element. This was approved with conditions under delegated powers on 29th October 2012.

Finally from the Planning Explorer -

Application Number - 12F/2179
Site Address - 52 - 54 Seel Street Liverpool L1 4BE
Proposal - To refurbish derelict buildings to create 2no. ten-bedroom shared student houses, including a new ground floor frontage and re-instated lightwells to Seel Street, demolition of single-storey rear extensions and re-configuration of rear elevations and rear outriggers, and general repairs to roofing and facing materials.
Applicant - G&W Stamper

From here - http://northgate.liverpool.gov.uk/PlanningExplorer17/Generic/StdDetails.aspx?PT=Planning%20Applications%20On-Line&TYPE=PL/PlanningPK.xml&PARAM0=831332&XSLT=/PlanningExplorer17/SiteFiles/Skins/Liverpool_WIP/xslt/PL/PLDetails.xslt&FT=Planning%20Application%20Details&PUBLIC=Y&XMLSIDE=/PlanningExplorer17/SiteFiles/Skins/Liverpool_WIP/Menus/PL.xml&DAURI=PLANNING

This is part of the terrace opposite Base2Stay. This was approved with conditions under delegated powers on 15th October 2012.

It would really smarten the place up if they did all that work. Seel street would be a mad place to liveb though.

http://www.snowltd.com/dukest.html

Looks good, not sure if its been posted before?

I think that's the scheme that was refused consent as the planners didn't wanta car park there .

I think the time has come to limit the amount of student accommodation in town, its getting very samey and we need more diversity and imagination.

Seriously? Liverpool faces the shame and embarrasment of being the first major city to run out of student accomodation.

It might be fashionable to bash students, but they are a 50 000 strong mainstay of the city economy. Create the conditions where people look at Liverpool as a university option, only to hear about the scarce and consequently expensive student accomodation, and decide "Forget it, im going to Manchester", and the entire city will suffer.

Or the students could do what I did when I lived in Manchester and move into private lets which can be let to students or anyone else...

I was mistakenly informed that Ludus on Bold street was to become the city's second Central Perk; it is not! I walked past today and saw that it is to be bar/lounge called Sapphire.

I think that's a shame - I think a Central Perk would have worked really well there.

Frenson's portfolio of properties in ropewalks is up for sale. It's being sold I three tranches, as they owned about 3 acres of central Liverpool, was sold off by militant when they ran out of cash. The portfolio contains many of the most derict and under developed sites and many fine Georgian building that have been left to rot.

A hopeful sign as new owners a much more likely to make the investment needed:
www.ropewalksportfolio.co.uk

I was mistakenly informed that Ludus on Bold street was to become the city's second Central Perk; it is not! I walked past today and saw that it is to be bar/lounge called Sapphire.

I think that's a shame - I think a Central Perk would have worked really well there.


http://i1122.photobucket.com/albums/l537/openlyjane/Various%207/P1290390.jpg

Looks to be opening imminently.

http://www.sevenstreets.com/bars-and-nightlife/radar-brooklyn-social-opening/

Opening on Wednesday - 'Brooklyn Mixer' - 78 Seel Street ( next door to Alma De Cuba)

^^

http://i1122.photobucket.com/albums/l537/openlyjane/Various%207/P1290696.jpg

http://i1122.photobucket.com/albums/l537/openlyjane/Various%207/P1290695.jpg

http://i1122.photobucket.com/albums/l537/openlyjane/Various%207/P1290700.jpg

Looks quite good, that. The music policy seems okay too.

Peter's Square - new venue called Cinema Paradiso:

http://i1122.photobucket.com/albums/l537/openlyjane/Various%207/P1300020.jpg

The predecessor didn't last long at all then. Must have been all of 3 months .

It seems my suggestion that the Stag Bar should acquire a superlambanana and attach antlers to it, to complement the Peacock one next door, is now a moot point.

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj32/buggedboy/20121212_130636.jpg

East Village phase 2 progressing well.

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj32/buggedboy/20121212_131443.jpg

The predecessor didn't last long at all then. Must have been all of 3 months .

Lived above that for two years and was very depressed when it was painted what can only be described as dog s**t brown. Glad its back to white! :D

^^ The interior of Cinema Paradiso:

http://i1122.photobucket.com/albums/l537/openlyjane/Various%208/P1310035_zpsd7b3ab35.jpg

http://i1122.photobucket.com/albums/l537/openlyjane/Various%208/P1310037_zpse97260f3.jpg

Had a walk around the other day. Bit depressing .....area seems to be going backwards. Still no sign of any development of the Scandinavian hotel what happened to DOwning's plans ? Also I seem to remember Frenson being given an ultimatum to develop the watchmakers building within 12 months . Lots of scruffy car parks on cleared sites and too many buildings rotting away and don't get me started on the missed opportunity that is Chinatown .

Had a walk around the other day. Bit depressing .....area seems to be going backwards. Still no sign of any development of the Scandinavian hotel what happened to DOwning's plans ? Also I seem to remember Frenson being given an ultimatum to develop the watchmakers building within 12 months . Lots of scruffy car parks on cleared sites and too many buildings rotting away and don't get me started on the missed opportunity that is Chinatown .

I agree. I was around the area last saturday and I was talking to my mate about it as we walked through. Its full of scaffolding on buildings, car parks on cleared sites, boarded up buildings. Of course areas like Concert Sq are nice but its not as good as people make out on here.

It's very half done, with the bad bits made worse by the good. Frensons are selling most of their property there so I guess they've given up. Time for someone else to have a go.

Frenson have been allowed to sit on development sites until they literally fall down - the Seel street Georgian terrace being a prime example. In Lydia Ann Street where Frenson didn't have any property ..it's been pretty much restored compare that to the likes of Wolstenholme Square . Unfortunately I don't detect any willingness on the part of Uncle Joe to do anything about the city's crumbling historic buildings and funding from the likes of English Heritage has dried up . Only hope is that developers will use some of them for student digs. I Tried to get the Liverpool Echo to do a follow up to their stop the rot articles but they weren't interested too busy writing about crime . By the way Does anyone know what's happening with the Scandinavian hotel ?

Had a walk round the area today. While it's disappointing to see derelict Georgian houses on Duke St the picture is overwhelmingly positive. There has been some excellent restoration work carried out in the last decade or so. Yes, there has been some loss of the historic fabric but such was the degree of neglect and state of disrepair of some of the buildings (empty for decades) that I think, being pragmatic, we probably couldn't have expected much better,especially with the antics of Frensen( application after application to demolish listed buildings, no more than a delaying tactic to hold on to properties with no intention of developing them) I don't hold out much for the future development of the watchmaker's building either, and tbh,little of the original building remains.
What really was a nice surprise today was the streets were relatively litter free.

http://imageshack.us/a/img831/5430/duk13.jpg


http://imageshack.us/a/img404/1140/059ue.jpg


http://imageshack.us/a/img33/4962/duk16.jpg


http://imageshack.us/a/img839/6186/duk32.jpg


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http://imageshack.us/a/img94/2375/duk15.jpg



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Frenson have been allowed to sit on development sites until they literally fall down - the Seel street Georgian terrace being a prime example. In Lydia Ann Street where Frenson didn't have any property ..it's been pretty much restored compare that to the likes of Wolstenholme Square . Unfortunately I don't detect any willingness on the part of Uncle Joe to do anything about the city's crumbling historic buildings and funding from the likes of English Heritage has dried up . Only hope is that developers will use some of them for student digs. I Tried to get the Liverpool Echo to do a follow up to their stop the rot articles but they weren't interested too busy writing about crime . By the way Does anyone know what's happening with the Scandinavian hotel ?

I agree, after the boom and all the regeneration projects and money this should not still exist. Why has the council and EH let Frenson shit all over our heritage? These buildings have very few years left and will be lot for ever, is this really what we want more loss and destruction of our wonderful and colourful urban fabric, which is Liverpool?

Jane & GV thanks for the photo tour, much has been achieved , but it is still " work in progress", also good to see very litle litter.

By the way Does anyone know what's happening with the Scandinavian hotel ?

Good timing for that question. The following has just appeared on the Planning Explorer -

Application Number - 13F/0157
Site Address - Scandinavia Hotel 2 - 6 Nelson Street Liverpool L1 5DW
Proposal - To convert building to 241 student accommodation with ground/lower ground commercial space, New roof level extension. Demolish 8 & 8A Nelson Street and create public realm
Applicant - GMD Investments Ltd

From here - http://northgate.liverpool.gov.uk/PlanningExplorer17/Generic/StdDetails.aspx?PT=Planning%20Applications%20On-Line&TYPE=PL/PlanningPK.xml&PARAM0=848112&XSLT=/PlanningExplorer17/SiteFiles/Skins/Liverpool_WIP/xslt/PL/PLDetails.xslt&FT=Planning%20Application%20Details&PUBLIC=Y&XMLSIDE=&DAURI=PLANNING

Presumably the hotel idea no longer stacks up financially, or if it does, student flats stack up better?

I must admit to feeling conflicted about this one. Anything that saves a building that has lain derelict for as many years as this one has, and brings it back into productive use is a good thing, and should be welcomed. However, I think for such an interesting, imposing, and important building to wait so very long to be regenerated, only for it to become something, pardon the wording, so mundane as student flats, I feel is not letting the building live up to its full potential.

Of course given the choice of student flats, or let it sit for a few more years until it falls down, I'll take the former, but it does feel like a bit of a shame.

Id rather it be student flats than what it is now.

^^ It may work well if it is targeted at Chinese students, and the retail space is taken up by a Chinese supermarket/restaurant etc.

With the increase in the number of Chinese/Indonesian students there seems to be a growing number of 'targeted' businesses up that way now. It may even encourage business owners on Nelson Street to up their game - god knows they need to.

Perfect for yet another student / tesco combination.

Good timing for that question. The following has just appeared on the Planning Explorer -

From here - http://northgate.liverpool.gov.uk/PlanningExplorer17/Generic/StdDetails.aspx?PT=Planning%20Applications%20On-Line&TYPE=PL/PlanningPK.xml&PARAM0=848112&XSLT=/PlanningExplorer17/SiteFiles/Skins/Liverpool_WIP/xslt/PL/PLDetails.xslt&FT=Planning%20Application%20Details&PUBLIC=Y&XMLSIDE=&DAURI=PLANNING

Presumably the hotel idea no longer stacks up financially, or if it does, student flats stack up better?

I must admit to feeling conflicted about this one. Anything that saves a building that has lain derelict for as many years as this one has, and brings it back into productive use is a good thing, and should be welcomed. However, I think for such an interesting, imposing, and important building to wait so very long to be regenerated, only for it to become something, pardon the wording, so mundane as student flats, I feel is not letting the building live up to its full potential.

Of course given the choice of student flats, or let it sit for a few more years until it falls down, I'll take the former, but it does feel like a bit of a shame.

I agree, as this is what happened to Lime streets very grand hotel. It's simply too good for students and should have been a hotel again. Difficult, as already pointed out it would save the building, but are we at risk again of grabbing any development as we did in the 90s and 2000s. The council is ultimately responsible for all the at risk buildings and should be doing everything possible to save them, but as with most things in the city they are too inept and don't really care to be bothered to make positive and long lasting changes.

On the Ropewalks facebook page,a campaign has started to get an artisan butcher opened!

Of all the disused buildings in RW I get irritated the most by the Georgian terraces on Duke St. Does anyone think there is much chance of progress here ever happening? As someone has mentioned before these buildings have been empty since at least the 60's and mar Duke St badly, when we should be proud of them.

Of all the disused buildings in RW I get irritated the most by the Georgian terraces on Duke St. Does anyone think there is much chance of progress here ever happening? As someone has mentioned before these buildings have been empty since at least the 60's and mar Duke St badly, when we should be proud of them.


I can understand the frustration people feel having these derelict buildings blighting the area but hopefully in the not too distant future they will be restored. they should be ok for another 5 or 10 years from what I can see. We really do have to retain these buildings;

http://imageshack.us/a/img822/2285/duks6.jpg


The block above dates from the 1780's, they are large townhouses of 5 bays, there are probably only a dozen houses of this size from the Georgian/Regency period in the city centre, including Canning.As you say the neglect, not just of Duke St but of the large parts of the city's historic fabric has being going on for a long time. I think people will be surprised at next photos, they show the back of the terrace on Duke St opposite the derelict one shown above. What is saddening about this is from the front the terrace looks in quite good condition, the reality is, which is in effect the reality of most of the Georgian property in the Ropewalks, that is facadism. When developed most lose the interiors(what's left of them) and the backs are rebuilt.

http://imageshack.us/a/img221/2700/024ay.jpg


http://imageshack.us/a/img46/1738/dukst.jpg


http://imageshack.us/a/img266/9149/dukss2.jpg

I can understand the frustration people feel having these derelict buildings blighting the area but hopefully in the not too distant future they will be restored. they should be ok for another 5 or 10 years from what I can see. We really do have to retain these buildings;

The block above dates from the 1780's, they are large townhouses of 5 bays, there are probably only a dozen houses of this size from the Georgian/Regency period in the city centre, including Canning.As you say the neglect, not just of Duke St but of the large parts of the city's historic fabric has being going on for a long time. I think people will be surprised at next photos, they show the back of the terrace on Duke St opposite the derelict one shown above. What is saddening about this is from the front the terrace looks in quite good condition, the reality is, which is in effect the reality of most of the Georgian property in the Ropewalks, that is facadism. When developed most lose the interiors(what's left of them) and the backs are rebuilt.



Very true, but there still seems to be nothing going on!!! Why?!! Doesn't the council see and use this street, why isn't EH getting involved? I just don't understand it. Sadly there are more beautiful Georgian buildings around the city which are about to be lost or have been destroyed. It just doesn't happen on the same scale anywhere else in the UK or Europe. The Ropewalks should have all been regenerated by now. There's just no excuse.

All LCC want to do it replace everything with low budget low architectural merit and low aspirational buildings which with eventually change the face of this rich city into nothing. Why don't we all just pack up and knock Liverpool down and move south, and prove those twatty think tanks right.

Doesn't the council see and use this street.

Slightly different tack but i always think this about litter, i used to report it, given up now.

But, i always wondered why council employees didn't do like wise, there's 1000's of them or there was!

Anyway, litter could have its own thread but it'd be too depressing and easy a target for the Bashers...

Very true, but there still seems to be nothing going on!!! Why?!! Doesn't the council see and use this street, why isn't EH getting involved? I just don't understand it. Sadly there are more beautiful Georgian buildings around the city which are about to be lost or have been destroyed. It just doesn't happen on the same scale anywhere else in the UK or Europe. The Ropewalks should have all been regenerated by now. There's just no excuse.

All LCC want to do it replace everything with low budget low architectural merit and low aspirational buildings which with eventually change the face of this rich city into nothing. Why don't we all just pack up and knock Liverpool down and move south, and prove those twatty think tanks right.

If you had actually done anything about the problem instead of posturing on here I might respond more fully, but you haven't, so :goodbye:

The lack of progress is frustrating. Acres of Georgian buildings where bought by Frenson after Hatton's LCC sold the city off. Frenson's buildings are being sold in tranches since their loans where called in. Frenson sat on these buildings for decades. There is now a possibility do development happening under new ownership.

Slightly different tack but i always think this about litter, i used to report it, given up now.

But, i always wondered why council employees didn't do like wise, there's 1000's of them or there was!

Anyway, litter could have its own thread but it'd be too depressing and easy a target for the Bashers...

Are you a professional moaner ? If you'd have looked at the pictures posted of the Ropewalks, litter is conspicuous by its absence.

Without sounding like a swot, I emailed the Mayor of Liverpool yesterday about these properties.


http://www.joeforliverpool.com/


http://www.joeforliverpool.com/askjoe/index.asp

If you had actually done anything about the problem instead of posturing on here I might respond more fully, but you haven't, so :goodbye:

Excuse me? How do you know what I have or haven't done?! Oh that's right you don't. I'm not interested in your posturing and assume that you disagree and think its acceptable for so many of Liverpools buildings to be in this state?.

Excuse me? How do you know what I have or haven't done?! Oh that's right you don't. I'm not interested in your posturing and assume that you disagree and think its acceptable for so many of Liverpools buildings to be in this state?.

Edit.

^^ That's a bit harsh GV, the forum is for airing opinions, there's no requirement to act on them, Dreamer is a valued member of the Lpool forum, like yourself.

^^ That's a bit harsh GV, the forum is for airing opinions, there's no requirement to act on them, Dreamer is a valued member of the Lpool forum, like yourself.

Fair enough.

I was around Duke Street today. It really is an embarrasment. Savina is a nice Mexican though.

Are you a professional moaner ? If you'd have looked at the pictures posted of the Ropewalks, litter is conspicuous by its absence.

Did you even read what i wrote, i said 'on a different tack'.....my point was about people not seeing what is right in front of them! you wouldn't understand, too subtle for you!! :ohno:

Did you even read what i wrote, i said 'on a different tack'.....my point was about people not seeing what is right in front of them! you wouldn't understand, too subtle for you!! :ohno:

You said you would start a thread on litter in Liverpool :lol: only....is that clear enough. Liverpool is no different to any other large city for litter:cheers:

^^ That's a bit harsh GV, the forum is for airing opinions, there's no requirement to act on them, Dreamer is a valued member of the Lpool forum, like yourself.

Thanks Medi, I didn't see what golden shower had written.

The new Pizza takeaway place on Newington is going to be run by the 'Italian Club' people; I saw the owner in there today. The quality of the fittings looked to be of a high standard:

http://i1122.photobucket.com/albums/l537/openlyjane/Various%208/P1320490_zps0c088569.jpg

As I suspected. Good news. Thanks Jane.

I've read good reviews about these two bars: on Seel Street ( Salt Dog Slims), and on Parr/Slater Street (Santa Chupitos)

http://i1122.photobucket.com/albums/l537/openlyjane/Various%208/P1320473_zps70184165.jpg

http://i1122.photobucket.com/albums/l537/openlyjane/Various%208/P1320459_zpsed3ab82b.jpg

http://i1122.photobucket.com/albums/l537/openlyjane/Various%208/P1320472_zps0a9bf345.jpg

http://i1122.photobucket.com/albums/l537/openlyjane/Various%208/P1320447_zpsc88a9b44.jpg

http://i1122.photobucket.com/albums/l537/openlyjane/Various%208/P1320423_zpse6c3bdd6.jpg

http://i1122.photobucket.com/albums/l537/openlyjane/Various%208/P1320433_zps352541d9.jpg

Yeah sant chupitos is cool but it's tiny and always packed.

Anyone been in the 'secret' upstairs bit at Salt Dog's? I never have, but it sounded interesting in that Guardian guide thing the other day.

My missus has. The room is pretty tiny but quite cool, apparently.

Like me.

*tries to keep a straight face*

Its not that good yano. Its small and the music is 70s (although some people will like that).

http://i1122.photobucket.com/albums/l537/openlyjane/Various%208/P1320490_zps0c088569.jpg

I've always wondered why those metal shutters are so widely used in some places. I've seen them in Britain, France and Spain but never in Finland, they don't seem to exist here.

Insurance. Many insurers in this country make in mandatory that those kinds of security shutters are used.

^Oh I see, thanks.

They don't half improve a streetscape, too! :puke:

Insurance. Many insurers in this country make in mandatory that those kinds of security shutters are used.

Not the case at all, I really wish the Council would be stronger and refuse any new shutters and enforce against others.

They are a massive blight on the streetscape, just imagine Liverpool One with roller shutters, also speak to the Police and they will say its safer for retail premises not to have shutters.

Liverpool ONE, or Grosvenor behind it, has the commercial power to negotiate insurance deals that do not require it to install roller shutters in order to receive a fair quote.

Think of those innercity parts of Liverpool where similar requirements have forced offies to have glass partitions only for a Tesco Metro to open next door that does not. Where would you prefer to shop?

A rash of roller shutters blighting our shopping streets, including in quaint, prosperous, low-crime Woolton village, while other areas with worse crime problems do not have anywhere near as many of them seems to be another consequence of insurance companies ripping off Liverpool-area residents with premiums that are not in proportion wrt other places if one considers the actual instances of crime in different parts of the country.

My impression is that in the decade or so that parts of the Wirral have been reassigned CH postcodes, and nothing else changing whatsoever, the curse of the roller shutter seems to be lifting in those postcodes.

Aye, it's true and I know several businesses that are specifically ordered to install them or they don't get cover. Very much down to post code.

And having a city full of roller shutters and that awful glass-walled off licence phenomenon makes it seem dangerous, run-down and dingy while higher crime rates neighbourhoods elsewhere get away with not having them.

It's the same as sticking football supporters behind metal fences topped with barbed wire. Treat them like animals and they'll become animals.

And having a city full of roller shutters and that awful glass-walled off licence phenomenon makes it seem dangerous, run-down and dingy while higher crime rates neighbourhoods elsewhere get away with not having them.

It's strange isn't it, because I always find it un-natural to walk around an off-license. I'm totally conditioned to the whole glass-wall thing.

This Fort Apache: the Offie weirdness extends as far as places like Rose Lane and South Road, Waterloo, while when I lived in varous shitmunching districts of London (with gangs of actual, real-life muggers quite literally hanging around the local shops and ferocious crime rates) they weren't to be seen. Like in a lot of other ways, being in this country is bad for Liverpool's health.

Georgian Townhouse Wolstenholme Square

This house dates from 1760-65. It's either the oldest or second oldest house in the city centre(there's another house on Union St,off Old Hall St which could possibly be slighter earlier) The doorway is unique and the window lintels have the characteristic keystones of the period, the use of the keystone in Georgian Liverpool stopped abruptly in the late 1760's.


http://imageshack.us/a/img708/6561/11778885.jpg

This house on Duke St dates from the 1780's and for some reason isn't listed.:ohno:

http://imageshack.us/a/img826/2146/11951767.jpg

This terrace on Duke St (part of which has recently been refurbished) dates from the 1770's.

http://imageshack.us/a/img138/9770/38591038.jpg

This house is opposite the block in the previous picture, it dates from the 1770's. It had been semi derelict for decades until its recent refurbishment. It doesn't look a great job but the exterior walls were in a pretty bad way. The main thing is it has been retained. :cheers:

http://imageshack.us/a/img607/918/34875423.jpg

Downing unveils student plans for Scandanavian

LIVERPOOL property group Downing has submitted fresh plans for the former Scandinavian Hotel in Liverpool’s Chinatown.

It wants to build 241 student rooms at the site, at the junction of Duke Street and Nelson Street, which has been empty since the 1980s and linked to several hotel plans.

According to a statement Liverpool and London-based architect Shedkm has drawn up designs for a mix of "cluster rooms and studios" as well as retail space on the ground floor.

The new building will incorporate much of the existing four-storey structure and a warehouse behind.

Paul Houghton, development director at Downing, said: “As one of the UK’s most experienced developers of student housing, with projects in Liverpool, Leeds, Newcastle, London and Cambridge, we are looking forward using our knowledge and expertise to bring forward another high quality student scheme, with 241 bedrooms and ground floor retail.”

An outcome of the planning submission is expected in April.

Piece about the former Scandanavian hotel on place north west website today:

http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/13085-downing-revisits-scandinavian-hotel.html

I never received a response from our great mayor regarding my email about disused buildings in Ropewalks:ohno:

I never received a response from our great mayor regarding my email about disused buildings in Ropewalks:ohno:

Too busy eating pies that's why!!

He did respond to my email about HS2. He has always responded to my posts, even though, sometimes, those responses are delayed. :cheers:

He replied to my HS2 and Broadband queries as well.

Does anyone remember the St Petersburg restaurant just off Duke Street? Excellent place sadly closed down. I liked the way they had a statue of John Lenin on the bar.