Former Signature Living gym once used by Hollywood star could become baking venue

A former "boutique" gym in Liverpool's business district that was operated by Signature Living could get a new lease of life under plans to tuen it into a baking venue. In 2020, Lawrence Kenwright's Signature Living went into administration, with sister fitness business Signature Fit later closing. Located on the ground floor of 60 Old Hall Street, the gym was part of a development by Mr Kenwright to transform the "ugly duckling" building into residential space.

It was the only segment of the project to open before the company's administration. The premises, unoccupied for nearly five years, could see revival after The Big Bakes, a London firm, applied to Liverpool Council for permission to create The Big Liverpool Bake at the Old Hall Street location. Signature Living took on the 60 Old Hall Street development in 2016, vowing to turn the so-called "ugly duckling" of the street into a vibrant mixed-use space comprising residential units, serviced apartments, office spaces, and a ground-floor retail unit.



However, administrators were appointed to Signature Living Residential Limited and Signature Victoria Mill Ltd on April 16, 2020. Following this, the Signature Fit Club, which had been temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, announced its permanent closure. The boutique gym had been a staple of the development since 2017, offering various high-intensity workouts and even attracting Hollywood stars like Tom Hardy.

In a farewell email to members, the club reflected on its three-year journey, stating, "Three years ago, Signature Fit Club was created as a boutique gym, not because we thought we were going to be something special, but because we were small and different – in the end I think that was achieved." The Big Bakes, a company hosting baking events in London and Birmingham, wants to breathe new life into the space with its cooking stations designed for group bookings. The firm, which established a Liverpool-based operation last December as per Companies House records, is currently in the process of obtaining a premises licence.

This would allow them to sell alcohol and play recorded music from 9am to 11pm daily. The city council's licensing department will make a decision on this matter in the upcoming months..