Revealed - The UK’s tallest mixed use tower is to be in Liverpool!!
12 July 2007
Exterior Artists impression of the UK’s tallest mixed use tower in Liverpool.
Liverpool developers Y1 Developments Ltd and Richmont Properties (comprising Custard-Pie Properties Ltd and WFB Properties) have today revealed plans for the former King Edward Public House site - situated on Liverpool’s historic Waterfront - that will create one of the UK’s tallest mixed-use towers and will also contain the UK’s loftiest living spaces.
Subject to Planning permission, Y1 intends to build a landmark tower development that, when completed, will soar 54 storeys and 170 metres into the Merseyside skyline. If, as planned, the scheme starts on-site in mid 2008, this will become the tallest tower development under construction in the UK. The projected build period is 36 months.
The £130 million tower – that is still to be officially named – sits on the former site of the King Edward Public House. This gateway site of Liverpool’s Strand and Leeds Street is adjacent to the Princes Dock development and is arguably on one of the most important locations on Liverpool’s waterfront.
As the latest addition to Liverpool’s ever expanding skyline, the King Edward tower will consist of 412 one, two and three bed apartments, 25,000 sq ft of commercial office space and a combination of 7,500 sq ft retail and leisure space as well as 245 car parking spaces.
The tower will also feature a glamorous 6,000 sq ft rooftop bar/restaurant that will have an express lift from the ground floor up to the 14th level where the bar/restaurant will have a 360 degree view around all of Liverpool, the North West and North Wales.
The penthouse apartments on the 54th floor will become the highest living spaces in the UK stealing the title from Manchester’s Beetham Tower which is 48 storey’s high with its upper level reaching 157 metres to roof level.
Architects of the scheme, Leach Rhodes Walker (LRW), developed their plans carefully for the new structure so that they took into account Liverpool’s World Heritage status. The final plans were formed by an extensive visual impact assessment of the World Heritage Site. Strategic view points were carefully analysed and modelled by LRW so that the new building will respect the prominent views to Liverpool’s landmark buildings such as the Three Graces.
LWR have worked hard to develop the character of the scheme that, whilst distinctive in its own right, made prominent use of stylised vertical elements and the art deco stepping of the skyline that has been developed to be reminiscent and reflect the iconic imagery of the America bound emigrates from Liverpool, providing the International links between the Mersey Docks and the distant American shores.
The curved plan form has been maximised to produce a spiralling effect when viewed from around the City and the use of the vertical spines are reminiscent and reflect on the Liverpool Cathedrals - the solidity of the stone Anglican Cathedral and the lightness and verticality of the Metropolitan Cathedral.
Colin Turner from Y1 said:
“This is an important development for Liverpool and will enhance the business district and waterfront environs of the city greatly. This development shows our deep commitment to Merseyside and the confidence that exists in what is a truly great international city. We aim to deliver an iconic, high quality development for Liverpool as Capital of Culture, which will add to the vibrancy already being created throughout the rest of the City.
We have worked closely and productively with all concerned and the result has been to bring about a scheme that is as appreciated by them as much as it is - we hope - by the people of Liverpool.”
