The former Lord Street bus station site which is earmarked for a £25m redevelopment has been handed over to the developer.

The car park which has operated for many years on the site closed permanently to vehicles on Sunday.

Kane Limited is behind the plans for the Quayside North project, which includes an 80-bedroom Travelodge hotel, seven-screen Omniplex cinema, bar/restaurant/cafe units, 20 flats and about 300 car parking spaces.

A Department of Infrastructure spokesman said: ’The closure will be permanent as the former Lord Street bus station site is being handed over to Kane Limited for redevelopment.’

In addition to the hotel and cinema, the complex will also serve transport needs.

Modern bus shelters will be installed along Lord Street to provide a transport hub, said to be similar to the one serving Liverpool One shopping centre.

A tourist information centre is incorporated into the design along with facilities for the public and staff.

Planning approval for the scheme was granted in July last year (18/00864/B). Kane Limited is an island-based property development company established by Stephen Bradley MBE.

Motorists are advised that alternative parking is available at Parade Street East car park and at the Tongue, on Bridge Road.