Late night bowling boutique ‘Pins’ given green light

Developer D2 has secured planning approval to transform a warehouse on Duke Street into Liverpool’s first city centre bowling and activity venue.

Boutique bowling destination Pins is coming to Liverpool later this year, creating 45 jobs.

Set to break away from the idea of a traditional ten pin bowling alley, Pins will reintroduce the game as a fashionable evening activity for adults.

Elevating the ‘typical’ bowling alley experience, it will offer an exquisite street food-inspired menu, a quirky 10 pin bowling experience, private VIP bowling, shuffleboards, and interactive experiences round every corner.

The building at 45-61 Duke Street formerly housed an indoor car park and will be fully refurbished to include a 16,000 sq ft development, designed by Snook Architects, with access via both Wolstenholme Square and Duke Street.

Located in Liverpool’s World Heritage Site and the Duke Street conservation area, the site has been designated as mixed-use by the city council, earmarking it for residential, employment, community, leisure, or retail use.

D2’s directors, David Scowcroft and Daniel Gillbanks, have been researching for a number of years and have travelled extensively throughout America and Europe with a mission to bring the very best in design and activities to Liverpool.

They have a clear vision for the concept and envisage this adding to the cultural experience and diversity of the city.

“Above all else, Pins will offer people an alternative way to spend their evenings and weekends, whether they’re celebrating or relaxing,” said Gillbanks.

“Recently, there’s been a cultural shift in how people choose to spend their recreational time. Increasingly, people are searching for more fulfilling experiences and activities to do at the weekend, rather than simply going to the pub.

“We’re proud to create a new venue that will bring 45 new job opportunities into the city while contributing to Liverpool’s increasingly diverse cultural offering, catering for all ages and interests.”

Howe acted as planner for the scheme. The practice’s planner, Rachel May, said: “This is a great result, as not only does it pave the way for Liverpool’s first city centre bowling alley, but it has also been specifically designed to ensure connectivity with future development.

“The area has already been identified as a creative hub, which will include new leisure, commercial and retail uses. This decision demonstrates the council’s commitment to encouraging investment in the area.”