Liverpool Council has formally approved plans to convert the former Grafton Rooms nightclub into 90 apartments, ending a 15-month wait since the scheme was initially backed. The decision follows confirmation that Historic England does not object to the proposals for the West Derby Road site in Kensington.
Historic venue to become housing
The venue, which opened in 1924 as a ballroom and later hosted acts including The Beatles and Duke Ellington, has been vacant and derelict for more than 15 years. The site, located next to The Olympia, has been described as an eyesore and a health and safety hazard in its current state.
In 2023, Equans Regeneration submitted plans to Liverpool Council to redevelop the site. The scheme comprises 47 one-bedroom and 43 two-bedroom rent-to-buy apartments, to be managed by affordable housing provider Sovini.
Historic England consulted
The plans were briefly put on hold last year after officials omitted consultation with Historic England from their report. The heritage body, part of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, was consulted due to the site's proximity to a listed building.
In a statement, Catherine Dewar of Historic England said: “Liverpool Council wrote to us on March 11 (2025) to consult us on proposals to largely demolish The Grafton Rooms to provide new homes. We’ve prioritised our assessment of the plans and today we’ve responded to say that we’re not objecting to these proposals.”
Funding and next steps
Agent Brad Wiseman told the committee last year that regeneration would provide “the investment that is desperately needed to transform the site, give it a new identity and deliver new affordable homes for city residents.” He said the development would only be made possible by grant funding from Homes England.
Initial work was expected to start quickly, subject to Historic England approval, but major works would not begin until Homes England funding had been received. Historic England said it recognises the benefits of the new housing and values the retention of the well-known façade of The Grafton Rooms as part of the project’s vision.
