A Changing Landscape on Mathew Street
Mathew Street, a bustling hub in Liverpool, is experiencing a mix of old and new. It’s a Wednesday afternoon, yet the pubs are packed with locals and tourists alike, who gather outside the iconic Cavern Club to capture memories. However, just a short distance away, the Cavern Walks shopping centre tells a different story. Once a vibrant retail space, it now feels quiet, with many shops closed and only a few customers present. The area is often used as a shortcut between Lord Street and other parts of the city.
A Glimpse into the Past
Cavern Walks first opened its doors in 1984, offering a unique shopping experience with features like hanging plants, candy pink lamp posts, and a wall-climber lift connecting two levels. It was built adjacent to the original Cavern Club, and even houses a statue of The Beatles inside. In the early 2000s, the shopping centre became a hotspot for high-profile visitors, including WAGs like Coleen Rooney and Alex Gerrard. High-end brands such as Cricket and Vivienne Westwood attracted well-heeled shoppers.
However, times have changed. The high-end brands have since left, and the upper level of the shopping centre has been closed. There are hopes that a new 150-bed Beatles-themed hotel on the upper level will revitalize the area, along with a free Mathew Street Tribute festival planned for this year.
New Ownership and Future Plans
In 2022, Cavern Walks was acquired by JSM Company Group and Greenwood Developments. JSM has expressed optimism about the future, stating that the shopping centre is entering a “new era” thanks to the upcoming hotel and new shops. Business owners, despite facing challenges, remain generally positive. Adam Williams, who runs the Rojeans vape shop, shared his experiences with the ECHO. He noted that the shopping centre faced difficulties due to competition from other venues and the impact of the pandemic.
Adam highlighted that the shopping centre was at its peak before the Metquarter and Liverpool ONE opened. He moved into Cavern Walks in 2017 but had to close during the pandemic. While he still has loyal customers, he acknowledges the need for more publicity and regeneration. He also mentioned concerns about increased government taxes on vapes and hopes that JSM will promote the shopping centre more effectively.
Community and Local Businesses
Chris Waters, who runs Christopher James jewellers, echoed similar sentiments. He emphasized the importance of local businesses and the potential for Cavern Walks to become a destination for niche shops. He believes that the area can thrive again, especially with the planned hotel and record shop.
Peter Wilson and Tom Waite, the founders of Mathew Street Records, are excited about their new venture. They have been running pop-up record fairs for several years and are now setting up their first physical store. They hope that the connection to The Beatles will attract customers and help revive the shopping centre.
Nina McCormick, who runs the Chantilly Beatles Cafe, has seen the changes over the years. Her café, founded in 1993, has become a staple in the Cavern Quarter. She recalls the vibrancy of Cavern Walks in the 1980s and hopes that the new hotel will bring more footfall and activity back to the area.
Looking Ahead
JSM has confirmed that work on the 157-bed hotel will begin soon, along with the arrival of new tenants, including the record shop. The company believes that the footfall from these developments will benefit everyone and help take Cavern Walks into a new era. As the community awaits these changes, there is a sense of hope that the shopping centre can reclaim its former glory and continue to be a vital part of Liverpool’s cultural landscape.
