DeLuca's, the Las Vegas-inspired cocktail bar in Liverpool's Concert Square, has submitted plans for a major outdoor upgrade. The venue, which reopened under its new name in February after almost 30 years as MODO, is seeking permission for external alterations including new signage, planters and seating.
Baa Baa Ltd, which operates the venue, confirmed the proposed facelift for the front of the building. Documents made public by Liverpool Council said the plans represented "part of the investment in and rebranding of the established venue."
From MODO to DeLuca's
MODO was one of the first venues to open in Concert Square in 1997. It came after Liverpool Council joined forces with Merseyside-based property developers Urban Splash to turn derelict warehouses in the area into loft apartments, café bars and an office space.
In its first incarnation, the venue originally had a number of concepts under one roof, including a noodle bar, a burlesque bar called Rocomodo, The Kiosk, a coffee bar, sandwich bar, newsagents and a florist, as well as a separate hospitality suite for group bookings.
Back in January, MODO bosses confirmed they would close the doors for good to allow the brand to refresh under a new identity. At the start of this year owners Baa Bar Ltd said the latest change would "bring fresh energy and a new direction to one of the city's most iconic social spaces."
Plans for External Refurbishment
Planning documents confirmed how Baa Baa Ltd is seeking permission for external alterations comprising the refurbishment of the external seating area with fixed booth seating, planters, overhead structures and heat lamps, alterations to the external elevations, and the installation of entrance arches, external lighting and associated fascia and entrance signage.
The works comprise a cosmetic refurbishment and do not materially alter the existing access arrangements within the building. The firm is not looking for a new use, an extension of the venue's opening hours or an increase in its licensed capacity.
The rebrand from MODO to DeLuca's was discussed with Liverpool Council at the pre application stage.
Supporting a City-Centre Business
A planning statement said: "The works support the continued operation of an established city-centre business and improve the appearance and management of its external area.
"These economic and operational benefits weigh in favour of the proposal." The applicant said its proposed fixed seating and planters define the perimeter and support crowd management.
Their relatively low-level form, combined with planting and identifiable entrance points, avoids the appearance of a conventional security barrier. A date has yet to be confirmed for the plans to be considered by city council officials.
