Signature Living's plans for Cavern Walks are revealed - and it could look VERY different

Liverpool's Cavern Walks could be completely transformed under new plans that would see the shopping centre turned into a hotel and restaurant.

Property firm Signature Living has released pictures showing its vision for the ailing shopping precinct and what it could look like if a planned hotel conversion goes ahead.

Lawrence Kenwright outside Cavern Walks in Mathew Street, Liverpool (James Maloney/Liverpool Echo)

The company bought the building at the end of last year, promising to turn around its fortunes.

And new pictures show how a conversion of Cavern Walks to a music-themed hotel could leave its atrium decorated in a striking white, gold and silver colour scheme.

Proposals to overhaul the building will go before the council's planning committee later this month.

A spokesman for the hotel said figuring out how to use Cavern Walks has been 'a conundrum' for a long time - and that 85% of the building had been vacant for seven years.

He said: "We have a brilliant new plan to give the building a new lease of life as a hotel, events space and overall tourist destination.

Proposals for the hotel will be decided by the council's planning committee later this month (Signature Living)

"The hotel and restaurant will showcase Liverpool’s highly celebrated music history and will give a fresh look to the area around Mathew Street.

"We’re hoping to start work soon after it has been to planning."

Under the plans, the upper floors of the building would hold hotel rooms, while the ground floor and mezzanine would be reopened as an 'upmarket' bar and restaurant.

Signature Living also hope to establish the building as a wedding venue.

The shops that are currently in the building would stay where they are, with images appearing to show that they will still be accessible through the building's central atrium.

In its heyday Cavern Walks was immensely popular among shoppers in the city - but as of the end of last year there were only ten retailers in the building.

Lawrence Kenwright reveals plans to sell 30 James Street and The Shankly Hotel

Signature Living chairman Lawrence Kenwright told the Echo in November that he thought the building was a 'hidden gem' - and said the new hotel would help breathe life back into the area surround it.

The proposed Cavern Walks conversion follows news earlier this year that Signature Living would be selling the Shankly and 30 James Street - its two flagship hotels.

Mr Kenwright told the ECHO last month he was hoping to get £57m from the sale of the hotels.