The history of North Western Hall, now home to Radisson RED Liverpool

Radisson RED Liverpool is now open on Lime Street.

A nineteenth century stained glass window, a rediscovered secret doorway and a grand staircase made of sandstone are among the pieces of history restored as part of the launch of Radisson RED Liverpool on Lime Street.

Now officially open, the brand’s arrival in the city has taken the Grade-II listed building full circle, after it was originally created as the North Western Hotel in the 1800s.

Northern Western Hall, dates back to 1871 and is located next to, and connected with, Lime Street train station. It was originally designed by Aigburth-born Alfred Waterhouse as one of the British Transport Hotels, offering direct links to the neighbouring railway station and had 330 rooms – but was closed in 1933. 

From the 1930s, the building was largely unused until John Moor’s University purchased the building in 1994 and transformed it into student halls of residence – which opened in 1996. 

In 2015 the ground floor of North Western Hall was converted into Wetherspoon pub The North Western, formerly the Head of Steam pub which also included some of the hotel’s grand welcome rooms. 

It has now come full circle with a purpose built hotel taking residence inside the building once again. 

The hotel is also a culinary destination thanks to its modern barbecue and robata grill restaurant, Stoke. It offers classic dishes with a grilled twist, paired with unrivalled views of the neoclassical architecture and acclaimed concert venue of St George’s Hall, as well as overlooking the city’s cultural district. 

The extensive renovation works saw the restoration of a nineteenth century stained glass window and a grand sandstone staircase. Stained glass experts were enlisted to reconstruct the six-meter-high window above the staircase to fill the atrium with natural light and offer a focal point for guests as they arrive through the main entrance. 

More than 792 hours were spent refurbishing the grand staircase and world-renowned polishers added the finishing touches to the 94-meter handrail. The building’s unmissable turrets and spires, original features from the 1800s, have also been restored to enhance the hotel’s grandeur.

The 10-storey Radisson RED hotel includes 201 guest rooms and suites, some overlooking St George’s Hall, featuring Radisson RED’s signature design-focused, bold, cutting-edge design. A 1960s-style scooter and sidecar, as well as a submarine sculpture are seen in the hotel, in honour of the city’s famous music scene and The Beatles.

Guests can work out at the in-house gym featuring the latest fitness equipment, or find the perfect space for a meeting, event, or celebration. Radisson RED Liverpool has five meeting rooms on the lower ground floor for up to 50 people for private events, as well as a more intimate private dining room with views over St George’s Hall that can accommodate up to eight people.

For more information on Radisson RED click here.