Plans to transform a warehouse in Cains Brewery Village into an “experiential, competitive socialising venue” have been unveiled.

Goose Piper Ltd has submitted a planning application to Liverpool City Council seeking permission to change the use of the Northern Lights Building on Mann Street into a leisure-led attraction called Benchwarmers.

Proposed site model

The proposed venue would combine retro-inspired design with technology-driven games and activities, with the applicant saying it is designed to “complement the existing leisure and hospitality uses within the Cains Brewery Village”.

Planning documents describe the concept as a new form of interactive entertainment aimed at a broad audience, from families during the day to young professionals and corporate groups in the evening.

A statement submitted as part of the application says: “At its core, Benchwarmers is about ‘Games for the People’.

“We are launching an experiential, competitive socialising venue that uses high technology not to isolate us, but to bring families and friends together in a shared, joyful, and accessible experience.”

The applicant says the venue would take inspiration from the atmosphere of 1970s and 1980s sports arenas, while retaining elements of the building’s industrial character.

The statement continues: “The concept is built around a ‘mock-olympics’ format set within a vibrant, old-school environment.

“We are intentionally reviving the nostalgic, analog energy of a 1970s and 1980s sports stadium – utilising architectural details like turquoise warehouse flooring and fire engine red stadium seating to complement, rather than overwrite, the industrial shell of our Baltic Triangle home.”

Despite the retro styling, the plans also place a strong emphasis on technology, with RFID wristbands, automated kiosks and digital leaderboards all set to form part of the experience.

The application adds: “It is a soulful project where nostalgic, tactile games meet the convenience of modern tech, creating a space where people can genuinely disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with each other.”

According to Goose Piper, the activities have been designed to appeal to a wide demographic rather than focusing on athletic ability alone.

The statement adds: “Our games require a wide range of skill sets – testing memory, hand-eye coordination, communication and general knowledge.

“This variety ensures that anyone can play, anyone can contribute, and anyone can win. We are building a space that champions the underdog.”

All images © planning documents

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