THE Cunard Building is set to return to its maritime roots by becoming a baggage handling and check-in centre for visiting cruise liners.
The council says it is part of a cost-saving scheme which will see it take up the leasehold of the Grade II* listed building and dispose of its interest in two other city centre sites - with hundreds of staff and council services relocating to the Pier Head.
It will negate the need to build a costly permanent home for the cruise liner facility, currently housed in a temporary structure on the waterfront.
Three Graces
It says the move will slash the council’s accommodation costs by around £1.35 million per year, and generate rental income of up to £1.75 million per year.
As one of the Three Graces, flanked by the Liver Building and the Port of Liverpool Building, the Cunard was the world headquarters of the eponymous shipping line until the 1960s.
The Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth were designed there and cruise liner facilities included waiting rooms, booking hall, luggage storage and a currency exchange. The basement was the central air raid headquarters for the city during the war
"It will be fitting to return the building to its original function as a place where cruise liner journeys begin and end," said Mayor Joe Anderson.
“We will not just use it as an operational base for our staff, but also as a place to host receptions, events and other functions, showcasing the city to potential investors."
The key elements of the proposal are: The sale of Millennium House on Victoria Street, with staff moving to the Cunard Building or vacant offices within Municipal Buildings on Dale Street
Exercising a break clause in the lease on the 10th floor of The Capital building on Old Hall Street, with around 100 Liverpool Vision and Marketing Liverpool staff relocating to the Cunard Building.
Relocating selected services and staff from Municipal Buildings to the Cunard Building.
Cunard
Mayor Anderson said: “This scheme will save the council a considerable amount of money, reduce the number of sites we occupy in the city centre and create a fantastic facility for the ever-growing number of cruise liner passengers coming to the city.
The council says it won't incur borrowing costs as the cost of the lease will come from its reserves.
A report to the Cabinet on Friday 11 October, which will be scrutinised beforehand by the regeneration select committee, recommends the council proceeds with negotiations to conclude the purchase of the leasehold subject to due diligence and survey work.
