Show goes on for Liverpool One opening after Bluecoat fire

Grosvenor said today it's launch events for Liverpool One will still take place at the Bluecoat Art Centre despite the building being struck by a fire in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

The fire was confined largely to the kitchen, restaurant and offices on two floors of the historic building, the oldest in Liverpool city centre, which recently reopened after a £12.5m redevelopment.

Grosvenor said the function room it is due to use on 29 May is well away from the affected areas and its plans were unchanged.

In a message on the organisation's website today, Bluecoat chief executive Alastair Upton, said: "Obviously we are shocked and saddenend that this has happened. We are working hard to get the Bluecoat open for our tenant occupiers and the public again as soon as possible. We would like to thank the Merseyside Fire Brigade and National Museums Liverpool disaster recovery team for their help."

The new-look centre has attracted mixed reviews with many visitors feeling the scruffy charm of the much-loved old Bluecoat has been replaced by a sterile and corporate version.

The official opening of Liverpool One takes place at 10am at the Bluecoat on 29 May, by invitation only.