Last night, business leaders, journalists, leisure industry specialists, and local business groups gathered at 30 James Street for a preview showcase to hear the new owners’ vision for the future of one of Liverpool’s most historic buildings.
The Grade II* building, which was once the headquarters of the White Star Line shipping company and where the RMS Titanic was registered, is often referred to as Liverpool’s unofficial 4th Grace.
The owners of Hamburg-based RIMC Hotels and Resorts GmbH, Marek Riegger and Audun Lekve, joined UK Managing Director Duncan Grey to outline the Hotels”most exciting voyage to date,’ saying that Liverpool’s heritage and architecture were two deciding factors in their decision to enter the UK market.
The new concept will honour the building’s heritage while introducing a multi-functional hospitality offering that is innovative, cool, fun and slick. It will close in early 2024 for a multi-million-pound refurbishment with a view to re-opening at the end of the year.
The plans call for a Top Deck Members Club, The Decks, which will house 60 spacious and luxuriously furnished bedrooms, The Main Deck Restaurant, Brasserie and Bar, including The Waterline Experience, and The Engine Room Bar, which will include a social dining and live music venue.
When the renovations are finished, the venue will employ over 100 Merseyside hospitality workers.
Working closely with local planners and heritage advisors, the building’s integrity has been at the forefront of every decision made to date. Stylish roof terraces offer stunning views of Liverpool’s waterfront, as well as leisure options that will keep you entertained throughout the day, from breakfast to lunch, dinner to late-night drinks and live music.
The interior finish will be luxurious, and original features will be highlighted in many areas of the renovation.
Falconer Chester Hall, based in Dale Street, has been appointed as the project’s lead designer, following their recent success renovating municipal buildings on Dale Street, including the Municipal Hotel, M Gallery, and the Aloft Hotel on North John Street.
Merseyside-based structural engineer Tom Roberts of TERM Engineering has been appointed as the Structural Engineer on the project. Tom is a nationally recognised authority on the architect Norman Shaw, who designed the building in 1898. More recently, TERM Engineering worked on the newly refurbished Hope Street Hotel.
Duncan Gray, UK Managing Director of RIMC Hotels and Resorts said:
“We are proud custodians of this wonderful building and we truly believe that we will deliver something special for Liverpool. We have the perfect location and we are confident that we will create a space that embraces it’s heritage, but gives it a fresh outlook for the future.”
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