Liverpool's Georgian Quarter has a rich history, but it's not escaping the changes the city is seeing, as plans have been approved for new homes on one of the area's best loved streets, with new businesses also popping up.
Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Hardman Street and the tranquillity of the Anglican Cathedral and its gardens is Pilgrim Street. Famed for its titular pub, the small cobbled road is also home to a couple of Grade II-listed buildings that were constructed in the early-19th century.
However, an influx of students and tourists into the city in recent years has pushed Pilgrim Street and its surrounding roads into the modern day.
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Among the Georgian townhouses, new developments are springing up. Local firm Intuita Property Group have recently received planning permission for two detached houses right next door to The Pilgrim pub.
The properties fit well into their surroundings with designs complimenting the sympathetic architecture and brickwork. Inside, the properties are compact but stylish- the kitchens have a central island with breakfast bars that separate the living area. Both properties offer private outdoor courtyards with bi-fold doors leading to the rear patio area.
A spokesman for Intuita told the ECHO: "Pilgrim Street is a hidden gem in Liverpool and we are pleased to be able to bring two residential houses to a formerly disused plot.
"This is another exciting project to be bringing to the city and despite not marketing the properties, we have received early interest with both houses having conditionally sold before construction has started."
New businesses are also putting vacant space to good use, like Coffi, which opened in an 18th century former coach house last year, serving hot and cold drinks and a range of baked goods. The space has retained its rustic charm, adding a few houseplants and seating to the historic space.
Michael, who co-founded the tranquil spot with partner Nat, said: "We didn't open the shop to make money - our focus is on coffee and people. Our goal from day one has been to serve the best quality coffee we possibly can, and pay anyone that works with us a decent wage they can support themselves on.
"We've been really fortunate in that our neighbours have really embraced us - both residents and local businesses. A big number of our regulars either live or work around the Pilgrim Street area, which is a lovely position for us to be in as still a relatively new shop."
Michael hopes the vacant space around the area will be put to good use going forward: "Pilgrim Street itself is gorgeous, and has some of the best views to the cathedral in the city - I think it's fair to say that it's underappreciated at the moment, and there's plenty of spaces that aren't utilised as much as they could be."
The ECHO spoke to some residents about what it's like to live among the historic properties and how they feel about its future developments.
Pat has lived on Pilgrim Street for 23 years, she said: "It's a bit more up and coming now, it's gone a bit posher than it was really, there's more money coming in.
"There's a lot more AirBnBs and the places they're doing up were just left lying there, which I suppose is a good thing really. It's a nice street, it's a nice place to live. A lot of people have lived here a long time. We're old school, I've been born and brought up around here."
Pat said the nearby watering holes aren't a problem as they "bring people around". However, she did call for more care to be taken when it comes to usable land: "A bit of tidying up would be nice - developers buy land and just leave it. There's been some fly tipping."
According to Rightmove, average sales on Pilgrim Street over the last year were £265,000, 18% down on the 2012 peak of £325,000. Although sales are relatively rare; the last two sales, for a house and flat at £265,000 a piece, were in 2021. Before that, properties last changed hands in 2017 and 2012.
The roads off Pilgrim Street also have a notable history. Ye Cracke on Rice Street was a favourite haunt of John Lennon and was used for filming in ITV biopic 'Cilla', starring Sheridan Smith. The small residential road also links Pilgrim Street with Hope Street.
Robbie, 63, has lived on Rice Street for almost a quarter of a century, he said: "It's buzzing when the students are here.
"I really noticed after lockdown when they started letting the ships back in. You get loads of tourists, which is good for the city. At the end of the day, I choose to live near a restaurant and pub - they make a bit of noise of a night, so what. They're not doing anyone any harm. I feel safe to walk around."
Even though sometimes change is for the better, Robbie would like to see some things preserved, he said: "Sometimes I think you can move forward too fast. I would like to see things slow down a bit."
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