Part of a historic Dale Street building where Liverpool clubbers had 'the best night of their lives' could be set to become a new restaurant.
The Grade II-listed State Insurance building on Dale Street originally launched as a ballroom in the 1920s and was taken over by Littlewoods in the 1940s. It became iconic nightclub The State in the 80s and 90s.
Now, plans have been filed to transform part of the space into a licenced restaurant. According to a document submitted to Liverpool City Council, the proposed space would have a footprint of almost 13,000 sq ft.
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Highneal Ltd is behind the application for outline permission. A spokesman for the business told the ECHO: "We have applied for planning permission for restaurant use and have a company as a prospective tenant.
"However until a lease is signed, which is quite a long way off, I am unable to divulge the identity of the interested party."
Highneal Ltd is led by Merseyside entrepreneur Tony Criss, who developed the Hard Days Night Hotel on North John Street. It opened its doors in 2008 and he sold it seven years later for £13.8m.
Part of the State Insurance Building is already occupied by JD Gyms
The State nightclub has a rich history; it was hailed as a 'Mecca for acid house music' and attracted people from all over the country in the 1980s and 90s.
It was stripped of its entertainment and alcohol licence in 1988 after Merseyside Police argued it had become a favourite haunt for young people using drugs. It reopened two years later under new management with a strict anti-drug and anti-acid house policy.
However, in 1991 the club was torched on Bonfire Night by arsonists causing almost £100,000 worth of damage. Repairs and renovations took weeks, but The State reopened five days before Christmas - only to be targeted by arsonists again on Tuesday January 14, 1992.
The company who owned The State put up a "substantial" cash reward to catch the culprits, but no one was ever convicted.
The club enjoyed a renaissance in the mid-1990s, hosting events such as Monster Jam and Garlands. The State reunion events still take place today.
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