Luxury group's Castle Street restaurant is granted planning permissions

The green light has been given for the historic Bank of England building on Castle Street to be transformed into The Ivy. 

Following the approval of several plans submitted by development consultancy The Pegasus Group, including listed building consent and full planning permission, the transformation of the long-vacant building can begin.

The site opened as a Bank of England branch in 1826, helping to establish the Castle Street area as the city’s financial district. An historic architectural landmark situated within the Castle Street Conservation Area, the building was designed by Charles Robert Cockerell. 

The Grade I-listed building on the site was rebuilt 1845-48 in the neoclassical style, replacing the earlier bank. It was last used by the Bank of England in 1987 and has been vacant since the 1990s.

2024 07 03 Ivy Bank Of England Castle St Sketch
A sketch for the former Bank of England branch Image: Pegasus Group

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 pro-active both at pre-application stage and during the determination of the applications and will look upon the transformation of this building with particular interest and excitement.”

2024 07 03 Ivy Castle Street Interior Refurb
Inside the building before work begins on the transformation Image: Pegasus Group

For further information visit the Liverpool City Council Planning Application Portal and enter the following references:

  • 24L/1110 (listed building)
  • 24A/1114 (advertisement)
  • 24F/1170 (full)

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