A once-vibrant shopping centre in Liverpool’s city centre, known as Gostins, has been largely forgotten since its closure in 2018. Despite occupying a prominent location on Hanover Street, the eight-story building failed to catch the attention of many shoppers, leading some retailers to express disbelief that customers did not even know it existed.
Originally constructed in the early 20th century for the surgical goods company Aryton & Saunders Co Ltd, the site transitioned into a furniture store and later evolved into a unique shopping destination during the 1990s. Gostins housed various independent retailers, including Bluecoat Books and Stigma Tattoo Studio, catering to a diverse clientele.
In a 2017 interview, Jeanette Sinnott, who managed the building, noted, “Some customers come in and didn’t even know we existed.” Despite its rich history and diverse offerings, the shopping centre’s popularity waned, leading to its eventual closure.
Plans for Redevelopment
Since shutting its doors, the future of the Gostins building has remained uncertain. In 2021, plans were submitted to Liverpool City Council by the Fattal Group, proposing a £20 million hotel development on the site. The planning documents emphasized the potential benefits of transforming the building, highlighting that the change of use to hotel accommodation would contribute to Liverpool’s growing tourism industry while restoring an important historic structure.
The proposal aimed to integrate modern and historic elements, ensuring the building’s character was preserved. “The proportions, materiality and character of the building are all retained,” the documents stated, with plans for reversible adaptations to facilitate future changes.
The council approved the redevelopment plans on December 22, 2021, with the approval set to expire on December 22, 2024. However, since then, there have been no further developments reported regarding the project.
Current Status and Future Prospects
Inquiries made to Liverpool City Council’s planning team in the summer of 2024 revealed that the local authority had not received any updates from the developers. The only recent activity concerning the building was an application from Everything Everywhere Limited in April 2025, which sought permission to replace three antennas and modify existing equipment. This application was approved, yet it does little to clarify the long-term fate of the Gostins building.
As it stands, the future of this historic site remains unclear. With no valid plans currently in place for development, hopes persist that this key location in Liverpool’s bustling city centre will soon see new life. The community eagerly awaits a resolution that could restore the building to its former glory, enhancing the city’s vibrant commercial environment.
