Fresh concerns have been raised about the condition of a former hardware store in Liverpool city centre that has been branded a “disgrace” and “dangerous” as it awaits redevelopment.
Last month the ECHO heard concerns from local businesses and members of the public who feared the former Rapid shop on Renshaw Street had fallen into a worrying state of disrepair with the area behind it being used as a “dumping ground”. The distinctive terrace, which runs parallel to Bold Street, was home to the iconic hardware brand for nearly 40 years before it moved to Williamson Square in 2009.
Pictures sent to the ECHO this week showed the gate around the side of the premises was found open with members of the public able to gain access. Debris and rubbish also remain dumped behind the end terrace.
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Liverpool City Council says the building’s owners, Collateral Investments Limited, have been served with a new notice requiring removal of all waste materials from the site. It added it has made the site secure, as the hoarding and fencing was broken, with this work to be billed to the owners. The ECHO made attempts to contact Collateral Investments Limited for comment but did not receive a response. Isle of Man company registry records show that Collateral Investments Limited changed its name to Schloss Roxburghe Holdings Ltd in December 2022.
In 2016, plans were submitted to develop the end of terrace, near Cropper Street, into 114 serviced apartments. The proposals, put forward by developers YPG and approved by Liverpool City Council subject to conditions, intended to retain the existing façade of the building and also erect seven storeys.
Space was cleared behind the existing structure but no work on the development has begun, with YPG no longer involved in the plans. In February 2023, a planning application showed the development had been taken on by Collateral Investments with Liverpool City Council approving a condition discharge submitted by planning consultants Broadgrove.
The condition discharge was the preparation of a construction management plan which would involve local firm Newry Construction. The proposed development is a 142 bed hotel.
Land registry records show that 48-54 Renshaw Street was purchased for £1,700,000 on June 13, 2022. The purchase was made by Collateral Investments Limited which is registered in the Isle of Man.
In March, Liverpool City Council said it was awaiting the next steps from the developer after initial concerns were raised about the condition of the existing façade. Members of the public have since renewed their frustration with the condition of the building which is seen to have no existing roof and a poor state of repair along a busy high street
Dave Ellis, 61, who had been walking around the city centre to find a premises to move his gallery and art business, previously branded the current site on Renshaw Street as a “disgrace” and a “dangerous site” - pointing out that the building “looks like it could just collapse at any point.” With no further works being taken, he told the ECHO that his concerns for its condition had grown and action was taken to rectify the issues.
Other local business owners previously raised their concerns over the condition of the shop and space behind, which leads through to Bold Street. Mr Ellis labelled this area an increasingly popular “dumping ground” with other businesses highlighting concerns about people sleeping on the site and potential substance abuse.
Revolution Barbers is one door down from the site perimeter and its manager, Rafiki Kennouche, 49, told the ECHO last month how the derelict structure is “killing” Renshaw Street. While the area has attracted new businesses and footfall towards Berry Street, he said the building was harming local business in close proximity.
Cllr Steve Munby added at the time that “it’s hard to see why a responsible owner couldn’t do something positive with the building.”
Reacting to the notice to remove the waste served by the Council, Mr Munby added: “I’m glad to see there is some progress on this site. In the short term we need to see the waste removed and the site made safe. But after that it’s important to bring the site and the building back into use, in a way that respects the façade but contributes to the life of the street”.
The ECHO approached the developers for comment.
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