Confusion over future of city centre venue as plans pulled again

Confusion surrounds the future of a city centre venue after a major Thai restaurant chain withdrew its plans for the second time. Earlier this summer, an application for Giggling Squid to take up residence on Castle Street was abruptly withdrawn.

The business had sought to set up its first venue in the north west in a grade II listed site that had been occupied by Point Blank shooting bar. It had been expected a planning application to change the use of the building into a restaurant would go before city council members today (Tuesday) for final sign off.

However Cllr Tom Cardwell, chair of the planning committee, confirmed the plans had been taken off the agenda and would not be considered. Giggling Squid is the latest business to consider moving into the former business district after Vietnamese chain Pho and Turkish brand Elif opened on the busy street.

READ MORE: The real cost of throwing your rubbish away in Liverpool

READ MORE: Flats plan for 'slum looking estate' hit by fire given council go-ahead

According to the planning documents, the site comprises a five storey, Grade II listed building, occupying the corner at the junction of Sweeting Street and Castle Street within the Castle Street Conservation Area. The application had related to areas of both the lower ground floor, previously in use as a drinking establishment and the vacant upper ground floor.

Under the chain’s designs, patrons would access the restaurant from Castle Street via a wheelchair accessible lobby area leading to the restaurant facilities on both floors. Servicing would be carried out via Union Court to the rear.

The applicant seeks a proposed terminal hour of operation for the restaurant of 10.30pm, on all days of the week. Last month, fresh plans were submitted to the city council after a summer of will they, won’t they speculation over the future of the site.

A licensing application gave more clues on the brand’s plans for the building. According to its submission to the city council, Giggling Squid is seeking to open from 10am to 12.30am Monday to Saturday, with reduced hours from 11am to 11.30pm on Sunday.

Alcohol is proposed to be served from 10am to midnight Monday to Saturday and 11am to 11pm on Sunday. A total of 30 jobs would be created at the new restaurant in full and part time roles.

It is not yet known at this stage if the plans will be heard by the committee at another date.