Living Ventures has signed a deal with Liverpool City Council to bring its Australasia brand and a new restaurant led by Aiden Byrne to the city’s Cunard Building.
The group is understood to be close to also securing a site for the Alchemist in the city.
The agreement will see £6m invested in the Grade 11* listed building with Australasia taking up the ground floor and Cunard House on the first floor. Living Ventures said the restaurant would “serve fine food in an informal atmosphere”. It will be accompanied by cocktail bar and training academy for young chefs to train under Byrne.
Tim Bacon, chief executive of Living Ventures, said: “We are delighted to introduce Australasia and Cunard House to Liverpool, it has always been a city very close to my heart and I am sure people will love these two new dining experiences – each will bring something totally new and dynamic to the Liverpool dining scene.
“Aiden is also very excited to be returning to his home town, Cunard House will be a showcase for the amazing food Aiden produces and the training academy will give him the opportunity to pass on his knowledge and experience to aspiring young chefs who could not ask for a better mentor.”
Subject to planning approval, the deal - which has been organised by John Hyland of Astutus Strategy Ltd - Australasia is expected to open in April 2016 on the ground floor and Cunard House in September 2016 on the first floor.
Lord Carlile CBE QC, chairman of Astutus, said: “The development is a great opportunity to bring a great building back into the growing Liverpool powerhouse. It promises to be a wonderful restaurant, and a go-to meeting place.
“The Mayor is to be congratulated on his support for this exciting venture.”
