A Grade II Listed building on Castle Street has been acquired by local investment firm JSM Group. The purchase adds another historic property to the group's expanding portfolio, which already includes two other sites on Castle Street, the former Magistrates Court on Dale Street, and Cavern Walks on Mathew Street.
Former Trials Hotel bought as commercial investment
Formerly known as the Trials Hotel, the building was completed in the 1860s for Alliance Bank, and remains fully occupied by the existing tenants including 62 Castle Street Hotel and restaurant Neighbourhood Liverpool. JSM has purchased 56-62 Castle Street as a purely commercial investment property, with no redevelopment plans or changes to its day-to-day operations.
JSM's expanding Liverpool portfolio
JSM has made several high-profile acquisitions in the last few years, including some of Liverpool's most iconic and historic buildings, two of which are also located on Castle Street. In 2021, JSM bought the former NatWest Bank, which is now home to Elif restaurant on the ground floor, and later submitted a planning proposal for a 92 room hotel back in 2023.
JSM, via its hospitality business Pub Invest Group, also owns and manages Castle Moat House, which underwent a full internal refurbishment. In August, the Liverpool ECHO reported on JSM's plans for the former Magistrates Court on Dale Street, which it bought in 2025, and has recently submitted a revised planning application for an apart hotel scheme.
Owner responds to latest acquisition
At the end of August, the ECHO also reported on JSM's plans for the Cavern Walks property on Mathew Street, which it bought in 2022, and is now awaiting feedback on a proposal to develop a 103-bed serviced apartments project.
In response to its latest acquisition of 56-62 Castle Street, JSM Group owner, Jamie Motlagh, said: “This investment was a perfect fit for us and we are delighted to have secured it. It complements our acquisition of Castle Moat House next door, which we extensively refurbished earlier this year, and is a great addition to our growing portfolio in Liverpool.
“We look forward to working with the tenants going forward and are keen to acquire similar properties should the opportunity arise.”
