62 venues at risk as bar chain faces administration, Liverpool city centre parking charges and major attractions announced for Pier Head are among the stories we have published today
Aerial view of Liverpool city centre (Image: Adam Gerrard / Daily Mirror)
Here are five stories published by the Liverpool Echo you may have missed today
1) The shop that is ‘like nothing the city has had before’ closes
A tucked-away lifestyle store that was described as “like nothing the city’s had before” has closed its doors in Liverpool. Hidden on Leather Lane, an alleyway just a stone’s throw from the GBar nightclub, Bearskin was a unique fixture in the city’s Pride Quarter. Despite its location, the shop was easily missed, as it focussed more on its interior offerings than its exterior. Bearskin stocked a variety of products, ranging from popular underwear and fetish brands like Locker Gear and Addiction to a wide selection of accessories catered to the queer community. The shop has now relocated to Blackpool and the owner spoke to the ECHO. READ HERE.
2) The Merseyside town where elderly people are up all night
Dozens of people have contacted the Liverpool ECHO, frantic, worried and increasingly desperate about the obstructive, noisy and ‘dangerous’ impact of ongoing roadworks at Dunnings Bridge Road in Netherton. Elderly people said they can’t sleep at night because of construction works in the early hours, parents are worried about the safety of their children crossings roads filled with HGVs, and motorists are frustrated at long delays and traffic jams. The roadworks are part of a National Highways project to deliver cyclist and pedestrian crossing points. READ HERE.
3) 62 venues at risk as huge UK bar chain facing administration
A prominent hospitality operator behind well known establishments including Revolucion de Cuba has revealed intentions to appoint administrators, while suggesting negotiations regarding a potential sale were also “well advanced”. The Revel Collective, which operates everything from the Revs locations to Peach Pubs brands, has confirmed it submitted a notice to appoint administrators today, Monday January 27, to “protect creditors”. Nevertheless, the company also disclosed it was engaged in continuing talks about a potential sale, expressing hope to issue a further statement on this matter “in the coming days”. READ HERE.
4) Major attractions for Pier Head and St George’s Plateau planned
Culture Liverpool has issued a call for operators to pitch for two new festive opportunities at Pier Head and St George’s Plateau. The potential new arrivals would revolve around large scale Christmas destinations, winter attractions or seasonal experiences. With Liverpool’s Christmas celebrations growing in recent years – including record visitor numbers and glowing national recognition – the city continues to expand its seasonal offerings annually. In 2024, the Christmas market at St George’s Hall attracted more than 500,000 throughout its six-week run, with an increase in overnight stays. This built on 2023 when 25% of visitors were from outside the north west, and 18% stayed overnight. READ HERE.
5) Liverpool city centre parking charges to be looked at again
Increased parking charges in Liverpool city centre are a “tax on retail and catering employment” and should be looked at again, according to a veteran opposition leader. Earlier this month, as part of an annual review of fees and charges, Liverpool Council confirmed it would put up the price of a city centre parking space by an average of 11%. Members of the council’s cabinet signed off on a proposal to increase the price of a 30 minute stay from £2 to £2.30, with an hour going up to £4.40 from £4. A two-hour bay will increase from £6 to £6.50. The local authority said the prices remained competitive with other core cities like Manchester and Birmingham. However, Steve Radford, leader of the Liberal Party group, has instigated a call-in of the decision, warning it could push people away from the city centre. READ HERE.