Plans for a new Hilton Hotel in Liverpool’s famous Mathew Street appear to have been abandoned. In October 2024, Liverpool City Council’s planning committee approved an expanded proposal for a 283-room hotel within the Cavern Walks shopping centre. The project, a joint venture between JSM Company Group and entrepreneur Craig Greenwood, was expected to bring Hilton’s new Motto by Hilton brand to the city, featuring a cinema room, function room, and bar.
However, new documents submitted solely by JSM to the council seek to change the internal use of the building to create 85 serviced apartments on the first to seventh floors. Mr Greenwood had acquired Cavern Walks in a £7 million joint venture with JSM in October 2022. Two years later, the council approved the hotel plans to almost double from an earlier 150-room scheme. According to planning records, that approval was subject to an Article 40 disposal in February this year, meaning it is no longer held on file.
Initial Hotel Vision
The original hotel plans included multi-bedded rooms ranging from six to one bed per room, catering to groups, individuals, and couples. Mr Greenwood, managing director of Greenwood Developments, previously said: “We are grateful to Liverpool City Council for their support as we progress with the development. The brand is a natural fit for the Cavern Quarter, and with its exceptional location in the heart of the action, the hotel will perfectly complement the area's vibrant tourism scene.”
New Proposal Details
The new proposal, submitted by JSM in March, seeks to redevelop the site with a change of use from the approved hotel to 85 serviced apartments on floors one to seven, along with a gym and spa on the mezzanine floor. The existing lower and upper ground floors will be refurbished and continue as retail units. No external alterations are planned.
A design and access statement says the apartments will be a mix of one and two beds, “providing luxury accommodation for visitors to Liverpool city centre. Each apartment has a large open plan kitchen/living/dining, along with spacious bedrooms and a bathroom.” It adds: “With the increase of visitors to the city centre, new serviced apartments in this significant, lively area will be a positive impact to Liverpool's tourism. The application supports the need for varying developments to sustain population levels and to address the issues of urban density. The development can contribute to the identified regeneration programmes of the area and reduce the worsening decay of historic buildings within Liverpool city centre.”
The LDRS attempted to contact JSM Company Group, Greenwood Developments, and Hilton for comment. To find all planning applications, traffic diversions, road layout changes, alcohol licence applications, and more in your community, visit the Public Notices Portal.
