Liverpool hotel site remains vacant five years later

A site in Liverpool city centre has been empty for five years, despite plans for a luxury hotel. Developers Marshall CDP received planning permission for the hotel in April 2020. The hotel was intended to be a landmark on the city's famous skyline. The site, located at the corner of James Street and The Strand, was previously home to Kingston House, a former office block. After the building was demolished, the site went through various phases, including a temporary "pocket park" and a car park, which operated without permission. West Quarter Limited, part of the Marshall group, bought the land for £2.75 million in 2017. They aimed to start developing the hotel after getting approval in 2020, which included plans for 168 rooms, a bar, and a restaurant. However, the area remains fenced off, and there has been no visible progress on the project. Despite attempts by the local news outlet, the ECHO, to contact Marshall for updates, the future of the hotel remains unclear. The site is still under West Quarter's ownership, as it has not been sold since their purchase. The lengthy delay raises questions about what will happen next for this prominent location.