Radisson Red Liverpool undergoes £30m refurb

The Radisson Red in Liverpool is set to open this summer after completing a £30m refurbishment of a Grade-II listed building, the North Western Hotel, which was first built in 1871.

Part of the Radisson Red Liverpool’s development includes the restoration of a 19th Century stained glass window, a rediscovered secret doorway, and a grand staircase made of sandstone. 

An investment in excess of £30m was spent on the development. The renovations stretch across the entire 10-storey building, creating 201 bedrooms, five meeting rooms, and a new modern steak restaurant specialising in quality cuts, wines and cocktails.

Construction workers have opened up a doorway as part of the restoration work, which leads from the hotel’s bar directly onto Lime Street station’s concourse. This is a feature that was reportedly created in the 1800s when the building was a traditional railway hotel.

Stained glass experts reproduced the original six metre-high stained glass window above the grand staircase to fill the atrium with natural light and offer “a real focal point as guests arrive through the main entrance”. 

Workers reportedly spent 792 hours working to restore the grand staircase, while polishers have added “the finishing touches” to its 94-metre handrail. 

Part of the Radisson Hotel Group, the opening will mark Radisson Red’s fifth UK site, with other locations including London, Glasgow, Gatwick Airport and Heathrow Airport, and globally, Cape Town, Dubai and Brussels.

Nathan Hooper, project manager for Deansgate Contractors, said: “This is a truly incredible building and it has been an absolute privilege to be part of the journey to return the hotel to its former grandeur.

“When we started work, it was clear the building had declined and needed some major TLC, which we have given it throughout the renovation process.”

He added: “Opening up the passage on to the station concourse and restoring the stained glass window are just some of the ways we have managed to retain the building’s history, while creating a space that is suited to the modern traveller. I’ve no doubt that, once complete, Radisson Red will be a real jewel in the city’s tourism crown.”

Gary Waring, general manager at Radisson Red Liverpool, said: “North Western Hall is one of Liverpool’s most recognisable and iconic landmarks, but its story is not known, or told enough.

“By returning the building to a hotel, we are bringing it full circle. The construction and design teams have worked tirelessly to restore some of its most impressive features and help breathe new life into the hotel so that it’s fit for purpose in 2022.”

He added: “At Radisson RED, we’re passionate about creating memorable moments for our guests, for the local population and those coming from further afield. We’re now looking forward to completing the renovation work and are excited to welcome guests this summer.”