A cordon remains in place at the scene
Lower Castle Street closed off due to an unsafe building(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
A city centre road has been closed after concerns were raised about an unsafe building. Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) were called to Lower Castle Street at around 1.53pm on Monday, January 19, following reports a large piece of metal ducting was lying on the roof of Gaucho restaurant.
A cordon remains in place at the scene, with both the road and footpath closed as a precaution. Liverpool City Council confirmed the closure in a post on X: “There is a road closure and a footpath closure on Lower Castle Street due to an unsafe building. We are liaising with Merseyside Fire and Rescue.”
MFRS said crews were alerted to the incident at 1.53pm and arrived on scene six minutes later. One fire engine and one aerial appliance attended the scene.
A spokesperson for MFRS said: “Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) attended an incident on Water Street, Liverpool City Centre, on the afternoon of Monday 19 January 2026.
Lower Castle Street closed off due to an unsafe building(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
“Crews were alerted at 13.53 and on scene at 13.59 with one fire engine and one aerial appliance attending.
“On arrival, this was a large piece of metal ducting lying on the roof of the affected building. Fire Service personnel liaised with the responsible person.
“Crews made their way to the roof to investigate, and the aerial appliance was released from scene.
“A representative from Liverpool City Council (LCC) was requested and attended shortly after to assist with a road closure and cordons until the owner of the property attended.
“MFRS completed a handover form with the LCC rep and the manager of Gaucho restaurant before leaving the scene at 16.55.”
Traffic monitoring site Inrix said: “Lower Castle Street in both directions closed due to unsafe building between Castle Hill and A57 Water Street.”
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