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Business leaders are warning that a Grade Two* listed building could fall into absolute dereliction and end up being demolished, after planning proposals submitted by the current owners were refused by Liverpool City Council.
The Wellington Rooms on Mount Pleasant, better known as the Irish Centre, has been empty for nine – years.
Current owners, New Dimensions, have spent over half-a-million pounds securing the building, and exploring various ways of renovating the facility in consultation with council and community leaders during the past two years.
They now propose to develop a five-star boutique hotel on the site, but officials have refused planning permission.
Chairman of private sector champion Downtown Liverpool In Business (DLIB), Frank McKenna, reacted with dismay to the decision, branding it a ‘disgrace’.
“This building is in a key location, and is in urgent need of re-development and restoration.
“ A group of Liverpool companies with a track-record of delivery, the Flanagan Group, New Dimensions Properties and Falconer Chester architects, have the ideas and the financial package to deliver a truly fabulous project.
“ The grade II listed building, formerly used as Liverpool’s Irish Centre, is an English Heritage “at risk” building. Planners are suggesting that alternative uses would be more appropriate, but after nine long years, they have no viable options other than this one.
“A dance academy has been mentioned, but I would warn councillors that this same organisation were muted as a user for the old ABC Cinema two years ago. That building remains derelict. Don’t make the same mistake with the Irish Centre.”
The scheme, which includes a £6 million investment, restoring the main assembly room as a function suite for parties, weddings and other events, would create 300 jobs and could be completed by 2008.
The developers are now considering an appeal.
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