Part of The Grafton, one of Liverpool's former iconic nightclubs on West Derby Road in Kensington, has been demolished as part of major plans for the site. Photographs show the extent of the work underway after plans were approved earlier this year.
Historic venue makes way for housing
The venue, located next to The Olympia, opened in 1924 as a ballroom and later became a legendary nightclub, hosting acts such as The Beatles and Duke Ellington. It is currently vacant and derelict, having been closed as a club for years.
In March last year, Liverpool Council's planning committee tentatively gave the go-ahead to recommend 90 apartments in a six-storey development on the site. The plans were briefly put on hold after officials omitted any consultation with Historic England from their report, but the heritage body later confirmed it would back the plans.
Approval and construction details
The local authority confirmed earlier this year it had formally agreed for the site to be converted. In 2023, Equans Regeneration submitted plans to Liverpool Council to turn the site into a housing development made up of 90 apartments over a six-storey block.
The scheme comprises 47 one-bedroom and 43 two-bedroom rent-to-buy apartments, to be managed by affordable housing provider Sovini. Officials acknowledged the site has been vacant for more than 15 years and presented a health and safety hazard, described as "an eyesore".
Photos taken by the ECHO now show the extent of the refurbishment works taking place at the venue, with part of the building being demolished.
