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Cunard Building to return to the cruise business

Liverpool’s world-famous Cunard Building is set to return to its origins by becoming involved in the cruise liner business.

It may be used for baggage handling and as a check-in centre – and deliver massive savings and income for the city council.

The proposal is part of a cost-saving scheme which will see the city council acquire the leasehold of the Grade II* listed building and dispose of its interest in two other city centre sites.

The move will slash the council’s accommodation costs by around £1.35 million per year, and generate rental income of up to £1.75 million per year.

It will also negate the need to build a costly permanent home for the Cruise Liner facility, which is currently housed in a temporary structure on the waterfront.

The key elements of the proposal are:

• The sale of Millennium House on Victoria Street, with staff moving to the Cunard Building or vacant offices within Municipal Buildings on Dale Street

• Exercising a break clause in the lease on the 10th floor of The Capital building on Old Hall Street, with around 100 Liverpool Vision and Marketing Liverpool staff relocating to the Cunard Building

• Relocating selected services and staff from Municipal Buildings to the Cunard Building

Mayor Joe Anderson said: “This scheme will save the council a considerable amount of money, reduce the number of sites we occupy in the city centre and create a fantastic facility for the ever-growing number of cruise liner passengers coming to the city.

“This is an iconic building on the city’s world famous waterfront and this opportunity to purchase the leasehold will deliver significant benefits and secure the future of the building.

“We will not just use it as an operational base for our staff, but also as a place to host receptions, events and other functions, showcasing the city to potential investors.

“And it will be fitting to return the building to its original function as a place where cruise liner journeys begin and end.”

The cost of the purchase of the lease will come from the council’s reserves, meaning no borrowing costs or adverse impact on frontline services.

A report to the Cabinet on Friday 11 October, which will be scrutinised beforehand by the regeneration select committee, recommends the council proceeds with negotiations to conclude the purchase of the leasehold subject to due diligence and survey work.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .