Liverpool's Martins Bank building in line for £22m public funding to support £83m renovation

Summary

One of Liverpool's most historic buildings is poised for transformation following the announcement of an £83m renovation scheme, backed by a proposed £22m investment from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA). Under the vision for Martins Bank, the Grade II* listed former banking headquarters on Water Street will be converted into grade A office accommodation, while incorporating a ground-floor hospitality venue, and could support up to 743 additional jobs, according to revised planning applications lodged with Liverpool City Council.

Constructed as the headquarters for Martins Bank between 1927 and 1932, the building features in Pevsner's architectural guide to Liverpool, where it is described as "the masterpiece of Herbert J. Rowse [architect] and among the very best interwar classical buildings in the country".

Martins Bank subsequently merged with Barclays in 1969, continuing to function as a Barclays branch until closure in 2009. The property has stood vacant ever since, remaining amongst the most striking buildings in Liverpool's former financial quarter.

This is a summary written for the Liverpool Business Services catalogue. The full article belongs to BusinessLive North West; read it at source.

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It was published by BusinessLive North West on 3 November 2026.

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