Benmore draws up £10m plans for Liverpool’s Dale Street

  Developer Benmore Group has submitted a planning application for a £10m hotel and retail scheme on Liverpool’s Dale Street.   The developer plans to build a 122-bedroom hotel, plus ground-floor shops and a 300-space car park on a largely derelict site in Liverpool city centre.     The scheme would see the retention and renovation of the historic façade of the Pioneer Buildings, which form part of Liverpool’s Castle Street conservation area.   Subject to planning, work could begin on-site next spring, for completion in summer 2011.   David Burrows, chief executive of Benmore Group, said: “We believe this proposal offers the right blend of assets for a street which is in danger of missing out on the regeneration which has benefited so much of the city centre over the last four to five years.   “There is undoubtedly a demand for further quality hotel beds in the city and we believe our investment in Dale Street will help to attract other investors and to expedite other plans which may be on hold at the moment.”   Jim Gill, chief executive of Liverpool Vision, said: “Dale Street is a key city centre gateway and has languished too long in the regeneration stakes.   “Investment propositions like this – especially in the current climate – are very welcome.”   Adam Hall, managing director of Falconer Chester Hall architects, which designed the scheme, said: “We were anxious to retain the façade of the old Pioneer Buildings – at some considerable additional cost to the developer – and to ensure the new-build elements of the scheme respect the grain of Dale Street’s historic streetscape.”   GVA Grimley advised Benmore Group on development.   daniel.cunningham@estatesgazette.com