A former Liverpool city centre night spot that has played host to major acts including Oasis and Radiohead could become apartments under new plans.
In the 1990s, the Lomax club on Cumberland Street welcomed some of the biggest names in UK music to grace its stage. Atomic Kitten were formed there, while Placebo, the Stereophonics and Muse were all on the bill at different times.
Now, the building could be transformed into a series of serviced apartments after a planning application was lodged with Liverpool Council.
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Proposals submitted to the local authority by JSM Company Group seek to change the building into 11 one and two bed units. A design and access statement accompanying the application said each space would include furnished bathrooms and living/kitchen areas all facing out onto Cumberland Street.
The cluster of buildings began its transformation into a nightlife hotspot in the 1970s and 80s. It operated as a venue for clubbers until 2019 when it was granted planning permission for 25 apartments.
Over the years, dozens of acts that would go on to carve out huge music careers were on stage at the Lomax, including Scouse artists Echo and the Bunnymen and the Coral. David Gray and the Verve were among the headliners to also bring their sounds to the venue.
It is expected the new units would provide temporary accommodation for a minimum of 30 occupants and a maximum of 42 at one time. The planning documents said: “All aspects have been designed with the urban grain of the area in mind, ensuing by reusing the existing building as it is the proposed development doesn’t take anything away from the area.”
The design and access statement, provided for the applicant by Wroot Design, said the units would cater for individuals, couples and groups “looking to stay within a culturally significant part of Liverpool city centre.” The development sits within the Castle Street Conservation Area - first designated in 1968 - and while not listed buildings are described as “of historic importance.”
The application is currently out for consultation with residents and interested parties able to offer their comments on the proposed development via the Liverpool Council website. A date is not known as to when a decision will be reached by the local authority’s planning department.
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