The Ivy to dock in Liverpool
Change of use permission has been issued by the city council for the restaurant to open at a former bank building.
The brand will be housed at the grade one-listed 31 Castle Street in the city centre, previously occupied by the Bank of England but which had been vacant for decades.
Troia UK Restaurants, which trades as The Ivy Group, applied through agents Pegasus Group for change of use from bank to restaurant as well as for external and signage alterations, which have also been granted.
A planning statement submitted by Pegasus said: “Troia proposes to bring The Ivy Brasserie to this building.
“The Ivy Brasserie will open seven days a week and will offer a full service from breakfast through to dinner. The menu will feature contemporary and classic signature dishes from the Ivy’s extensive menu and has been designed to meet the needs and desires of any occasion.”
They proposed to convert the ground floor into a restaurant, bar, and commercial kitchens.
On the basement level, there will be further kitchens and storage, whilst the first floor is to be used for storage, customer toilets, and staff break and changing spaces.
The second and third floors are to remain unused, according to the plans which have been approved by Liverpool City Council.
A planning officer report published with the decision notice of approval, stated: “The proposal is acceptable in conservation terms, as the works will preserve and enhance the significance of the building as a designated heritage asset and the contribution it makes to the character and setting of the Castle Street conservation area.”
Speaking after the planning decision was issued, a spokesperson for Pegasus Group said: “Liverpool has an array of beautiful, historic buildings and we’re very pleased to have played our part in bringing 31 Castle Street back to life.
“The Ivy is much-loved across the UK and this new operation will further bolster the city’s burgeoning premium hospitality offering.
“We would like to thank the officers at Liverpool City Council for being proactive both at the pre-application stage and during the determination of the applications and will look upon the transformation of this building with particular interest and excitement.”
As well as Pegasus, Pumphouse Designs, and ACA Acoustics were also on the project team.
The application can be viewed by searching reference number 24F/1170 on Liverpool City Council’s planning portal.
Great addition to the restaurant scene and who better to use this iconic building than The Ivy.
Would like to someone using the ground floor space at the top of Lord St near the Law Courts , great location with a small area of covered outdoor space, crying out for restaurant/bar use.
By Anonymous
Not needed, Liverpool has the best independent restaurant scene in the North West, this is a very basic chain restaurant
By Anonymous
Fantastic news. Get it done and open ASAP.
By Anonymous
Great stuff it will do well in Liverpool
By Anonymous
One of the stipulations of the Planning Committee was about controlling noise levels,OMG what do the councillors think this will be? The Ivy is not a rave club, and we are in a city centre not in a tiny hamlet. I can think of one prominent councillor who would have been behind the noise request, which just reinforces the feeling that LCC planning is awkward to deal with.
By Anonymous
Great addition to out burgeoning food scene, 👍👍
By Tom
This is good news for liverpool- a recognised name will help to attract visitors from outside the city
By Stuart wood
Another iconic establishment chasing the pound and diluting what was a very special restaurant … it’s not anymore.
By Anon
Anonymous contradicting themselves yet again!
By Roy
Amazing news send more details of opening and address. Can’t wait
By Margaret Walton