Giggling Squid submits fresh plans for Castle Street building

A major Thai restaurant chain is moving closer to opening its first branch in Liverpool on one of the city’s original seven streets. Earlier this summer, proposals for Giggling Squid to take up residence on Castle Street were abruptly withdrawn.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.

Now, with the bar having vacated the lower ground lot next to Castle Street Townhouse, fresh plans have been submitted to Liverpool Council for consideration on the future of the former bank building.

READ MORE: New details released for UK's first floating sauna on the waterfront

READ MORE: 'First of its kind' event will bring millions to Liverpool

Giggling Squid is the latest business to consider moving into the former business district after proposals by Vietnamese chain Pho and Turkish brand Elif meant they would populate the busy street.

A licensing application has given 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. The brand seeks to transform the building - previously occupied by Barclays Bank - to become the Thai eating space.

Planning documents, which were eventually approved in May, added how work would impact the Grade II listed status of the site. The documents said: “By considering each element of the proposed works it can be seen that none of the works are causing undue harm to the fabric of the listed building.

“The interior of the building has previously been heavily altered at lower and upper ground floors and little remains that might be considered of interest. The fabric of the building that is of significance is primarily the classically detailed stone front elevation overlooking Castle Street and to a lesser extent the side elevations are also largely intact and showing some refinement of detail. The proposed works do not unduly affect these elevations.”

An existing kitchen will be replaced and a new entrance down to the lower ground floor reconfigured. An application form submitted by the applicant Roman Proskurnya on behalf of Giggling Squid, said a total of 30 jobs would be created at the new restaurant in full and part time roles.