Located on Old Hall Street in Liverpool city centre, The Echo Building was constructed in 1973-74. It is a brutalist style building that stands 73m (240ft) tall at 18 storeys, making it the joint tenth tallest building in the city. The tower has previously been utilised as office space but has been vacant for a number of years. The lower levels are currently occupied with offices housing the Liverpool Echo newspaper printing rooms and distribution centre.
The scheme designed by Corstorphine + Wright Architects represents a significant opportunity to reuse an existing building in a popular business area of Liverpool. The primary aim of the proposed development intends to preserve and retain the existing shape, style and brutalist aesthetic of the existing building, whilst improving, cleaning, modernising and repairing the neglected elevations.
The refurbishment and adaptation will include a 207 bed hotel within the existing 15 storey tower, with communal areas including a restaurant/bar within an open ‘living lounge’, and a conference area with associated café. A new rooftop sky bar available to the public will provide fantastic panoramic views across the city and the renowned World Heritage waterfront.
The proposal supports continued office use coupled with the introduction of retail space which will better integrate the building with the street frontage, enhancing and activating the public realm. Further amenities will include a commercial gym, and parking facilities within a basement car park.
