Titanic-themed hotel set for approval

A PLAN to convert the former head office of the White Star Line into a boutique hotel is expected to win approval next week.

The White Star Line operated the Titanic and is said to have broken news of its sinking from its Albion House building on The Strand.

Liverpool-based Signature Living, owned by Lawrence and Katie Kenwright, is in the process of buying the building from District & Urban Properties for £1.6m and is planning a major revamp.

It wants to convert the building into a 35-bed hotel with a further 30 ensuite rooms. The seventh floor will house a restaurant and there will also be events space. The Kenwrights want to play on the Titanic heritage and strip out false ceilings and partition walls to reveal steel columns and rivets that they say were handled by the engineers that worked on the cruise liner. The building has been empty for a number of years.

A report prepared for the planning committee which will meet on October 29, said: “The submitted scheme comprises a sensitive restoration of this outstanding grade
II* listed building enhancing those aspects considered to be of most historic and architectural significance.

“The proposed hotel use with an associated restaurant, bar and function room accord with land use policy and practise for the area. It would complement the main office use of the area and contribute positively to the growing leisure and tourism market in Liverpool. The divisional manager planning believes the proposed scheme represents a very positive step forward with regards to the preservation of this building and the enhancement of Liverpool’s waterfront.”

Planning officers have recommended the scheme is approved.