Liverpool’s historic Ashcroft Building primed for conversion

An application to redevelop the Victoria Street building into apartments has been lodged with the city council.

The proposals come from Dolby Hotel Liverpool, operator of the eponymous hotel close to the Queens Dock. The company is fronted by Adam Younis, who is looking to bring 30 apartments to what is a largely redundant building on a vital city centre street.

The site, at the junction with Cumberland Street, is directly across Victoria Street from the entrance to the Everyman cinema at the Metquarter. This is within the boundaries of the Castle Street conservation area.

Designed by Hoult & Wise, the Ashcroft Building was purpose-built to house a company making and selling billiard tables. It was completed in 1883 and although not listed, is of historic importance, said Wroot Design, adviser on the project.

Although the ground floor has been in recent use as a restaurant and bar, the upper floors have long been unused.

Wroot said that the development would “create a positive atmosphere with 24-hour activity” in an area where apartments and serviced apartment projects have become widespread.

What has been lodged is an application for prior approval. The applicant intends to add two storeys to the roof, in what Wroot said would be a “sympathetic” addition.

Set back from the building’s frontages, the extension would not be any taller than the tallest part of the building, at its corner. The rooftop extension would include 10 apartments, and the main building 20.