Kemper System has helped to renovate an historic building, which is set to reopen as a 200-bedroom hotel in 2022.

The Grade II listed North Western Hall, first opened in 1871 as a railway hotel and for the last 22 years, has been used as student accommodation. Located in Liverpool, next to Lime Street Station, the five-storey building was constructed in stone and features two prominent towers in the middle.

Work is underway to convert the site into a hotel, which will be operated by Radisson under its RED brand and due to open in March next year.

Kemper System’s Kemperol V210M was specified to waterproof 40 chimneys that run around the perimeter of the building and its slate roof.

The liquid waterproofing resin was installed by roofing contractors, Castle Contractors NW. A trial was carried out on one of the chimneys, which had to be approved by the local council before the rest of the work could begin.

The waterproofing process required a timber frame and cement board to be constructed around the top of each chimney, including the existing pots. To create a standing seam effect, timber battens were also installed onto the frame prior to applying the Kemperol V210M around the structure.

Unlike most other cold-applied liquid waterproofing systems, Kemperol V210M is applied 'wet on wet'. This means the system is laid in a single process by saturating the polyester reinforcing fleece with Kemperol resin. Once cured, the resin forms a seamless, elastomeric membrane of uniform thickness that cannot delaminate.

Neil Atherton from Castle Contractors NW said: “The Kemperol V210M has been applied to the top part of each chimney to ensure a highly durable waterproofing solution that will minimise the need for any future maintenance.

“The architects wanted to emulate a lead appearance, which has been achieved thanks to the seamless grey membrane and installation of the battens, which have been integrated into the waterproofing.”

Victoria Ramwell from Kemper System added: “We’re proud to have played a role in the renovation of such an iconic building. The versality of Kemperol V210M made it ideal for this specialist waterproofing project, providing a solution that complements the historic building’s architecture and ensures long-term protection for at least 20 years.”

Due to open in March 2022 the hotel will have 200 guestrooms, a restaurant and bar, a gym and a meetings and events space.