Liverpool has been “handpicked” to open a world famous restaurant brand favoured by the rich and famous.
The Castle Street bank building was famously occupied in 2015 by a group called Love Activists, who called for it to be used as a centre to support homeless people. Plans were submitted by JSM Group in 2022 to convert the ground floor into a restaurant/bar use along with commercial kitchens. According to a planning assessment carried out by Liverpool Council officers, the “commanding” site was designed by Charles Robert Cockerell. It added: “Its scale and powerful design language evidences the importance of Liverpool as a highly influential centre of commerce and trade which led to the founding of this first regional outpost of the Bank of England outside of London.
The planning statement added how bringing the Ivy to the city will have benefits for both the brand and Liverpool. It said: “The Ivy pride themselves on the inimitable service and vibrant surroundings for which has been revered to a select group of upmarket brasseries, neighbourhood cafes and Asian cuisine restaurants.