This white Portland stone building on the
corner of Hope Street and Hardman Street in
Liverpool was once part of the city's School for
the Blind. The school's original building
on Hardman Street had been erected in the
1890s. This building is an extension that
was added circa 1931. It has a minumum of
decoration although it does feature a row of
small bas-relief sculptures, five on the Hardman
Street front and one around the stepped corner
facing on to Hope Street. These sculptures
were created by the painter/sculptor John
Skeaping, the first husband of Barbara Hepworth.
In an article in the May 24, 2012 edition of the
Liverpool Echo, Peter Elson reported that the
founder and chief executive of the Hope Street
Hotel, Dave Brewitt, has bought the
adjoining derelict listed building complex
comprising the former Blind School, Trade Union
& Unemployment Resource Centre and Flying
Picket bar. It was his plan to convert
these buildings to create a £5m extension to his
hotel. It would include, "40
serviced apartment bedrooms, gastro-pub,
bistro, chocolatiere and coffee shop, a
restaurant which it is hoped can reach
Michelin standard, a spa and offices."
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