Former Municipal Annexe, Dale Street, Liverpool.

Hotel – Heritage Restoration and New Build

The DoubleTree by Hilton Liverpool is one of Iliad’s most iconic heritage-led regeneration projects.

Located on Sir Thomas Street in Liverpool’s commercial district, the scheme involved the sensitive restoration and transformation of the former Municipal Annexe – a Grade II listed building originally constructed in 1865 as the Liverpool Conservative Club. Designed in the French Renaissance style by local architect C.O. Ellison, the building was renowned for its ornate interiors, sweeping staircases, and carved stone detailing. By the early 2000s, however, it had fallen into significant disrepair and required careful intervention to secure its future.

Iliad acquired the site with a clear vision – to bring the building back to life through thoughtful conservation, a contemporary rear extension, and a new use as a luxury city hotel including swimming pool and spa, alongside a number of apartment blocks. Working in partnership with Hilton, conservation officers, and Historic England, the project delivered a full restoration that preserved the building’s architectural character while integrating all the requirements of a modern four-star hotel. Completed in 2015, the DoubleTree by Hilton Liverpool stands today as a flagship example of Iliad’s ability to unlock complex listed buildings.

Completed in

2015

Hotel – Heritage Restoration and New Build Extension

Gross Development Value

£50.0 Million

87-bedroom luxury hotel operated by Hilton under the DoubleTree brand

Grade II listed heritage building dating back to 1865

French Renaissance architecture by C.O. Ellison

Full façade retention and restoration of key historic interiors

Contemporary rear extension seamlessly integrated with the original structure

Delivered in collaboration with Historic England and local conservation officers

Heritage-Led Regeneration

Restoring the former Municipal Annexe required a careful balance between conservation and contemporary intervention. Iliad retained and restored significant heritage features, including marble columns, vaulted ceilings, carved stonework, and the original sweeping staircase, ensuring the building’s historic identity remained central to the finished scheme.

At the same time, a modern rear extension was introduced to accommodate hotel bedrooms and facilities that could not be sensitively integrated within the original structure. The result is a building that reads clearly as both historic and modern – respectful of its past while fully equipped for present-day use.

More Than Restoration

This project reflects Iliad’s wider approach to regeneration – looking beyond preservation alone to create viable, long-term uses for heritage assets. By reimagining the Municipal Annexe as a luxury hotel, Iliad secured the building’s future, reactivated a prominent city-centre site, and contributed to Liverpool’s growing hospitality and tourism economy.

The scheme demonstrates how listed buildings, when handled with care and expertise, can be successfully adapted to meet modern demands without compromising architectural integrity.

Location

Situated on Sir Thomas Street in Liverpool’s commercial district, the hotel occupies a highly prominent city-centre position, just moments from Moorfields Station, the waterfront, and the city’s key business, retail, and cultural destinations.

Its central location makes it a natural fit for business travellers, leisure visitors, and events, reinforcing the building’s role as both a landmark and a working part of the city.

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Great places don’t happen by accident. They are the result of long-term thinking, local understanding, and a commitment to quality at every stage.

At Iliad, we specialise in unlocking complex sites and delivering projects that respect their context while meeting contemporary needs. From listed heritage buildings to large-scale regeneration, we work collaboratively with partners, planners, and stakeholders to ensure projects are not only delivered, but delivered well.