The appearance of the Albert Dock could be set for a transformation, as new plans have been submitted to Liverpool City Council by its owners. The proposals from Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, the freehold ownership entity of the dock, include increasing green spaces around the dock, introducing new plant species and adding a fresh suite of outdoor furniture.
The upgrades are intended to enhance visitor experience and accessibility while honouring the dock's heritage. The design team from the Royal Albert Dock collaborated with Liverpool-based studio Planit to create the plans - the first phase in a series of improvements.
Subject to planning approval, work is slated to commence next spring. A 'multi-zonal strategy' will see three initial areas of the dock developed, each reflecting the unique characteristics of its surroundings.
Up to 40 new plant species will be introduced, underused areas will be enhanced with new seating and furniture, and the site's cobbles will be smoothed over to improve accessibility for wheelchair and pushchair users. At the North site entrance near Tate Liverpool, Mermaid Courtyard is planned to become a nature-led extension to the art gallery, with planting and new furniture softening the external terrace area which Tate Liverpool will open onto after their current renovation works.
This landscaped area will provide a space for community events and workshops, reports .
The walkway next to the Maritime Museum at Hartley Quay is set for a revamp to improve accessibility and create a more inviting waterfront space. The new design will include fresh planting, picnic tables and benches with a robust timber aesthetic that pays homage to the dock's industrial past.
These enhancements aim to highlight the dock's picturesque location and waterside views while boosting green infrastructure and supporting climate resilience. The Northern Gateway, which serves as the initial point of contact for visitors from the city centre, will be made more welcoming with the addition of seating areas.
New information boards and signage will also be installed to educate visitors about the dock's history. This comes as part of a series of renovation projects taking place at the dock.
Liverpool City Council recently approved plans for a new dedicated entrance at the Martin Luther King Jr building as part of National Museums Liverpool's £58m improvement works on the waterfront. Meanwhile, the Tate is currently undergoing refurbishment and remains closed.
Helen Legg, chair of Royal Albert Dock Liverpool Ltd, said: "Liverpool's waterfront, and in particular the Royal Albert Dock, is the city's greatest asset. As the largest collection of Grade 1 listed buildings in the country, it's essential that we invest in maintaining and developing the dock. We are doing this alongside ambitious plans by Tate and NML to reimagine the museums on the site thus reinstating Royal Albert Dock's cultural and heritage significance."
Jacob Loftus, CEO at General Projects, added: "The public realm works proposed set out our intentions to modernise and activate the Royal Albert Dock for the local community and visitors alike. This enables us to create a truly unique public offer while celebrating the heritage and cultural qualities that make this area of Liverpool such an intrinsic part of the city".
Danny Marsh, studio director for Planit Liverpool, said: "This was an exciting opportunity to refresh the Royal Albert Dock public realm masterplan, and reassess the collective priorities of the landlord, tenants, public and planet. The Royal Albert Dock is one of the most important historical and cultural sites in the º£½ÇÊÓƵ, and we want to make this an inviting and attractive place for everyone for generations to come."
Spanning a vast 375,000 sq ft, The Royal Albert Dock houses the largest collection of Grade I listed buildings in the º£½ÇÊÓƵ. Its conversion into a leisure and retail hub played a pivotal role in Liverpool's regeneration during the 1980s.
In 2018, it was bestowed with Royal status and now attracts over six million visitors annually. The freehold ownership of the wider Albert Dock is held by Royal Albert Dock Liverpool Limited, jointly owned by General Projects, Neo Capital, Tate Gallery, National Museums Liverpool, and The Colonnades Residential Limited.
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