Cavern Walks, the Mathew Street shopping centre with deep ties to Liverpool's music history, is undergoing a significant transformation. New independent businesses are opening their doors, and developers have confirmed plans for a 157-bed hotel, signalling a new era for the once-struggling retail hub.
The revival is being led by new owners JSM and Greenwood Developments, who acquired the building in 2022. The first wave of new tenants includes a record shop and a connected coffee house, set to open this weekend, aiming to restore the centre's vibrant atmosphere.
Key Takeaways
- Cavern Walks is experiencing a revival under new ownership by JSM and Greenwood Developments.
- Mathew Street Records and The Library Coffee House are scheduled to open on Saturday, October 11.
- Plans are confirmed for a 157-bed Beatles-themed hotel on the upper level, set to open in 2026.
- The new developments aim to increase footfall and revitalise the historic shopping centre.
A New Chapter for a Liverpool Landmark
Cavern Walks, a shopping centre located on the historic site of the original Cavern Club, is poised for a major comeback. After years of declining footfall and numerous vacant units, the building is showing clear signs of revitalisation. The new energy is driven by its owners, JSM and Greenwood Developments, who purchased the property in 2022 with a clear vision for its future.
The centrepiece of this transformation is the confirmed development of a 157-bed hotel on the currently closed upper level. According to JSM, the hotel, which will have a Beatles theme, is expected to open its doors in 2026. Construction is slated to begin within weeks, marking a significant investment in the Mathew Street location.
A Storied Past
Opened in 1994, Cavern Walks was once a premier destination for luxury shopping in Liverpool. It was home to high-end brands like Vivienne Westwood and Cricket, attracting notable local celebrities. Its unique design, featuring pink lamp posts and a distinctive wall-climber lift, made it a memorable part of the city centre's retail landscape.
In a statement released earlier this year, JSM outlined their strategy. "Since JSM acquired Cavern Walks, we’ve always had big plans for it and now plans are finalised," the company said. They believe the combination of new tenants and hotel guests will "benefit everyone and really take Cavern Walks into a new era."
The Heartbeat of the Revival: New Independent Businesses
The renewal of Cavern Walks is not just about future construction; it is already happening at ground level. A new wave of independent businesses is moving in, aiming to create a unique cultural and retail experience. A new tattoo parlour recently opened, and it is being followed by two highly anticipated connected venues.
Mathew Street Records and The Library Coffee House
Leading the charge are Mathew Street Records and The Library Coffee House, which will both open this Saturday, October 11. The project is the creation of Peter Wilson and Tom Waite, who are known for running pop-up record fairs under the name Britannia Record Fairs. Their new permanent store represents a significant milestone.
The owners announced the opening date on social media, acknowledging the hard work involved after an initial delay from a planned September launch. The refurbishment, they noted, was taking longer than expected, but they did not want to rush the process.
"Right now, the shop looks like the Blitz but by Saturday it will be ready to open its doors for the very first time," the owners stated. "We’ve built this place from scratch with our own hands, in our spare time... Every crate cut out of wood, every wall painted, every inch shaped with one thing in mind - creating a proper, welcoming home for people who love music."
The vision for the space extends beyond just selling vinyl. The owners aim to establish a cultural hub for the city. "Mathew Street Records and The Library Coffee House aren’t just opening a shop, we’re building something that Liverpool’s been missing: a cultural meeting point, a place where ideas, conversations, and stories flow as easily as the coffee, the food and the wine!"
More Than a Store
The new record shop plans to host a variety of events to engage the community, including:
- Live music performances
- Album launches
- Book signings
- Artist talks
The goal is to create a space that evolves and becomes a destination for cultural experiences.
Overcoming Past Challenges
The recent optimism marks a stark contrast to the shopping centre's fortunes over the last decade. Many traders who remained in Cavern Walks have previously pointed to a combination of factors for its decline. The opening of the sprawling Liverpool ONE complex in 2008 created intense competition, drawing shoppers away from traditional city centre locations.
This challenge was compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, which severely impacted city centre retail across the country. The result was a high number of empty units and the complete closure of the upper shopping level, leaving the once-bustling arcades feeling quiet.
However, the owners of Mathew Street Records are confident that this period is over. They directly addressed the perception of the centre's decline in their announcement.
"They said Cavern Walks had gone quiet. They said it had seen its day. Not anymore. A revival is underway and it’s happening from the inside out. Shops are coming alive again, new faces are moving in and the energy is changing."
They praised the efforts of the building's owners, adding, "The team at JSM, who own the building, have done wonders and with a Beatles-themed hotel now planned above us, Mathew Street is about to write its next great chapter."
Looking Ahead to a New Era
The coordinated effort between the developers and new tenants is creating a sense of momentum on Mathew Street. The combination of a major hotel and unique, culturally-focused independent retailers is a strategic move designed to attract both tourists and local residents back to Cavern Walks.
The Beatles statue inside the centre serves as a constant reminder of the area's powerful musical legacy. By introducing a record store that celebrates this heritage and a hotel that leans into the theme, the developers are tapping into the very identity that makes Mathew Street a world-famous destination.
As Mathew Street Records prepares for its grand opening, its owners are focused on the future. "This space will grow, evolve, and hopefully become one of those 'you had to be there' places that people talk about years from now," their statement concluded. "Let’s get these doors open, get this party started.” For Cavern Walks, it seems the party is just beginning.