Date set for Shankly Hotel opening

LIVERPOOL developer Signature Living has said that the new Shankly Hotel is on target to welcome its first guests on August 15.

The £20m project, a joint venture between Signature Living and the surviving Shankly family, has created in the region of 200 new full and part-time jobs and a number of apprenticeships.

The first phase of the development, which will include a 150-seat restaurant and bar called The Bastion – is set to welcome it’s first guests who are preparing to see the city’s first major tribute to Bill Shankly.

The name Bastion – which derives from a quote the reds hero once said about making Liverpool a ‘bastion of invincibility’, was the popular choice in a Facebook competition created by the Shankly Hotel owners.

Developers say the 83-bedroom hotel, which was once home to Liverpool city council, has saw a rapid turnaround since construction began in February this year.

The 145,000sq ft site will include a museum dedicated to the football icon, which will contain never-before-seen family memorabilia covering his glittering reign at Anfield.

The driving force behind the development, Lawrence Kenwright, believes the hotel will be a huge success when it opens its doors.

He said: “We’re really excited to unveil our fantastic hotel. The team has worked incredibly hard getting the first phase ready in just over five months. I think the hotel will play a major part in regenerating the Victoria Street district of the city.

“This is only the beginning of the project and we’re very much looking forward to unveiling the second phase of the development which will include a rooftop bar and restaurant, conference facility and rooftop garden in spring 2016.”

Christopher Carline, Shankly’s grandson and hotel director, added: “The hotel opening will be an incredibly proud moment for the Shankly family.”

Meanwhile, the highly anticipated 100ft serpent slide will be revealed as part of the second phase of the development.