In the heart of Liverpool, a once-thriving shopping centre known as Gostins has remained largely forgotten since its closure in 2018. Despite its significant history and eight-story structure located on Hanover Street, many passersby were unaware of its existence. The arcade, originally established in the early 20th century for a surgical goods company, transformed into an alternative shopping destination in the 1990s, housing various independent retailers.
With an eclectic mix of shops, including Bluecoat Books and Stigma Tattoo Studio, Gostins attracted a diverse clientele. In 2017, the Liverpool ECHO interviewed retailers, including Jeanette Sinnott, who managed the site. She noted that “some customers come in and didn’t even know we existed.” This lack of visibility contributed to the decline in popularity, leading to its eventual shutdown.
Development Plans and Uncertainty
In 2021, hopes for the building’s revival emerged when the Fattal Group submitted plans to Liverpool City Council to develop a £20 million hotel on the site. The proposed transformation aimed to serve Liverpool’s growing tourism industry while restoring the historic building. According to the planning application, “The change of use to hotel accommodation provides an effective use of this city centre site.”
The plan included a rooftop extension designed to harmonize modern and historic architectural elements. The proposal was approved on December 22, 2021, with the approval valid until December 22, 2024. However, since receiving approval, there have been no updates regarding the development.
When the ECHO inquired about the project in the summer of 2024, Liverpool City Council indicated they had not received any communication from the developer. The last documents available on the planning portal were the Section 106 agreement and confirmation from the planning department.
Recent Developments and Future Prospects
In April 2025, a separate application from Everything Everywhere Limited sought permission to replace three antennas and modify existing equipment cabinets on the site. This application was approved, but it did little to clarify the future of the Gostins building.
As it stands, the future of this historic site remains uncertain, with no active development plans in place. Given its prime location in Liverpool’s bustling city centre, there is a collective hope among locals and stakeholders that a concrete plan will emerge soon. The community is eager to see this once-celebrated building rejuvenated, restoring its place in the fabric of Liverpool.
