Objections to new venue planned for Liverpool city centre's Ropewalks district

Plans for a late-night venue in Liverpool city centre's Ropewalks district have attracted a string of objections.

The Clubhouse would be part of the Sefton Hospitality Group, which includes the Sefton Park Hotel, Dicey Reillys Irish Sports Bar, and the Ropewalks Hotel. A spokeswoman said the plans were for a private hire space linked to the hotel.

An application for a new licence of the Wolstenholme Square space sparked almost a dozen objections but no concerns were raised by Merseyside Police or any internal licensing officials within Liverpool Council. A decision will be made by a three-person Liverpool Council on July 23.

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A company spokesperson said the application was for licensing hours similar to other venues in the immediate area and, as a proposed private hire events space only, it would only be open when there were bookings.

According to documents made available by the local authority ahead of a licensing and gambling sub-committee meeting later this month, a licence is sought for a currently vacant unit in the square. Applicants for the site would seek to open from 10am to 1am daily, with an alcohol licence throughout.

Concerns revolve around a proposed 1am closing time with nearby residents claiming the space “would undoubtedly generate significant noise pollution and antisocial behaviour from patrons. This would severely impact the quality of life for the residents, many of whom include families with young children”.

One objector said the entrance and exits to the business could pose a “considerable safety risk particularly for women and children” with the respondent claiming increased alcohol consumption could “lead to increased incidents of harassment and other safety issues.”

Another individual said they were pleased the vacant lot would be repurposed but expressed dismay at the proposed 1am closing time. They wrote: “The block in which I live, above the premises, is poorly lit at the block entrance and I am fearful that the premises patrons will use the alleyway to urinate, hang about etc which gives me concerns for my safety as a single woman returning to my flat late at night.”

Some called for the plans to go ahead, with an earlier closing time of 11pm. One of the objectors said a late night licence could have a wider impact.

Sefton Hospitality Group CEO Conor O'Donovan said: “We are looking forward to opening the Clubhouse, which will bring something stylish and unique to the square. A mix of corporate and leisure events will bring a new dynamic to the leisure offering and as experienced operators we look forward to welcoming guests to enjoy the wonderful event space we have created in the heart this historical part of the city centre."

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