Grafton Rooms scheme clears Historic England hurdle
Developer Equans Regeneration can press on with 80 apartments at the Liverpool landmark, after the heritage body said it has no objections.
The proposals were warmly received by members of the city council’s planning committee this week, but statutory consultee Historic England had not been asked to examine the plans – and with the site immediately neighbouring the listed Olympia building, that posed a significant problem.
However, the body has reacted swiftly to contact from LCC on the matter, and given its blessing.
Historic England regional director Catherine Dewar said: “Liverpool City Council wrote to us on 11 March to consult us on proposals to largely demolish The Grafton Rooms to provide new homes.
“We’ve prioritised our assessment of the plans and today [13 March] we’ve responded to say that we’re not objecting to these proposals.
The Grafton Rooms is not a listed building but we do have an interest in protecting the setting of the grade two*-listed Olympia Social Club next door, which is a wonderful example of the work of Frank Matcham, the country’s most celebrated Edwardian theatre architect.
“We recognise the benefits that the proposal’s new housing will bring for the area and we value the retention of the well-known façade of The Grafton Rooms as part of the project’s vision. We are committed to working alongside local authorities and developers to find new and viable uses for Liverpool’s much-loved heritage.”
Studio RBA has designed the Equans project, which will see a six-storey affordable apartment block replace the iconic nightclub off West Derby Road.
Plans were lodged in 2023 for its 47 one- and 43 two-bedroom rent-to-buy apartments, to be owned and managed by affordable housing provider Sovini.
The Edwardian Neoclassical frontage of the former Grafton Ballroom will be retained and incorporated.
Savills is advising Equans. The project team also includes E3P, Clancy Consulting, Prime Transport Planning, LK Group, and Redmore Environmental.
