A landmark hotel in Liverpool has reopened with a fresh management team and a new name. The 30 James Street Hotel within the Grade II* listed Albion House had closed earlier this year amid financial issues.
Built as the headquarters for the White Star Line shipping line, the property where the RMS Titanic was registered had been operating under the name 30 James Street for several years but faced several challenges more recently.
Previously owned by local firm Signature Living, the hotel fell into administration but was subsequently purchased in May 2023 by Hamburg's RIMC Hotels and Resorts Group, which planned a multi-million-pound refurbishment
But those plans never happened and problems began earlier this year when there was an announcement that the hotel would begin closing on certain days of the week. By February, amidst issues related to unpaid wages and a dispute involving the company's CEO and its º£½ÇÊÓƵ head.
The later learned that the Amsterdam-based Guess Capital Invest B. V Co-owner Cees Schutte told the newspaper: "We went in totally blind and found a beautiful hotel that was closed, with no staff and outstanding wages.
"We have asked our lawyers to look at this and we will of course pay any outstanding salaries."
The Echo spoke to to staff members last month who said they were still to be paid money owed to them.
Now Albion House has reopened as the White Star Hotel, under the direction of new management. The hotel started a staggered reopening process from June 20,
Local entrepreneurs Brian Gamble and Chris Carline, grandson of the legendary Liverpool manager Bill Shankly, are leading the relaunch. The duo, co-owners of Albion House Limited, say they want to revive the building's storied past and forge a fresh path for its future.
Mr Gamble said: "I know this building inside out, having served as general manager during its heyday.
"It's a shame Albion House has been somewhat neglected over the years, but with the right care, attention, and dedication, we are confident she will regain her former splendour. As a proud Liverpudlian, this is a personal labour of love, and I cannot wait to see her restored to the grandeur she has always deserved."
Mr Carline added: "As proud Liverpudlians, we are obsessed with restoring Albion House to the level of grandeur she deserves. Rebranding as The White Star Line Hotel, our goal is to resurrect White Star as a hospitality brand – a romantic vision, driven by our deep connection to this building and the city."
Albion House was originally erected between 1896 and 1898 for the famous White Star Line.
The White Star Line Hotel is embarking on a phased reopening, initially offering select guest rooms on weekends, opening rooftop bar "The Quarter Deck," and making the Grand Hall available for weddings and events. The hotel plans a gradual expansion to see all rooms and the lower ground spa brought into use.
Mr Carline said: "This is a long-term project we want to do properly. We're focused on delivering a solid guest experience, building the brand, and inviting guests to join us on this journey. The honesty, vision, and collective effort will put White Star and Albion House back where they belong."
