Rooftop terrace for Shankly Hotel

A ROOFTOP glazed terrace is being planned as part of a multi-million pound project to convert Millennium House into a Bill Shankly-themed apart hotel. 

Lawrence Kenwright’s Signature Living company has taken over the building in Victoria Street following the departure of hundreds of council staff to the waterfront Cunard Building.

The city council’s planning committee has already approved the hotel scheme, but Signature now wants to add a banqueting suite, dining facilities and outdoor space.

The venture is the latest in the city for Signature following the refurbishment and opening of Albion House in James Street, former headquarters of  SS Titanic owners, the White Star Line.

A Lifestyles gymnasium and Lifestyle facility at Millennium House will remain as part of the scheme that will include 61 bedrooms, serviced apartments and office space.

Development consultancy, the Planning Studio, has submitted new plans to the city council’s planning department, seeking permission for the extra work which will create a fifth floor to the building.

Most of Millennium House was originally the old head office of the Liverpool Daily Post and Echo, but the site became vacant in the 1970s when the newspaper moved to Old Hall Street.

The city council at the time had ambitious plans to create a civic centre, and set about acquiring buildings to pave the way for the venture. But the scheme was eventually abandoned.

A number of landmark buildings in the area, including the Stork Hotel, disappeared and for many years Queen Square became a makeshift surface car park.

In their documents to the council, The Planning Studio say: "The revised proposals bring forward a major new and exciting element to the project, being the crowning glory provided by the proposed roof-top extension, with its robust architectural glazing and panoramic views across the city centre and beyond. 

The switch of council staff to the Cunard Building raises a question about the future of the Municipal Building in Dale Street, famed for its clock tower and chiming bells.

Many of the staff from Dale Street have also moved to the waterfront. The civic suites, occupied by Mayor Anderson, councillors and the executive team, have also moved to the Cunard Building.

Victoria Street Car Park- Could It Be Sold Off For Development?

It raises the question of whether, or rather when, the council will respond to the changes by finding a new use for the Municipal Building or offer it for sale.

The adjoining Municipal Annexe where most of the council committee rooms were located, along with the former Education Offices, have been converted into a luxury hotel, due to open in the near future.

The rear of the Municipal Building is currently taken up by a tree–lined surface car park, but offers the prospect of re-development, earning much needed cash for the council.