Improvements mooted for Hatters Hostel

The operator of the 50,000 sq ft hostel on Mount Pleasant in Liverpool city centre plans to add 20 bedrooms and a co-working space as part of rebranding efforts.

The grade two-listed building, constructed in the 1870s, is one of four Hatters Hostels in the UK, including two in Manchester and one in Birmingham, bought by Selina Management Company last year.

The proposals for the Liverpool site form part of the Latin American hospitality firm’s investment in rebranding its corporate entity to bring it and its hostels up to date. Selina operates around 80 hotels in South, Central and North America, as well as in Europe. 

Under the plans, submitted to Liverpool City Council, the capacity at Hatters would increase to 326 beds, from 306, and the ground floor book shop would be converted into a café and cocktail bar. 

The existing beer garden would also be revamped and extended to provide a 3,600 sq ft area for outdoor drinking. 

Unused space on the second floor would be turned into a wellness centre featuring a yoga room, changing rooms and a massage room. 

On the third floor, the existing unused basketball court is to be converted into a co-working space. 

GL Hearn is the planner for the scheme and Stephen Levrant Heritage Architecture is the architect.