Views sought on ‘ambitious proposals’ for Liverpool’s Albert Dock

Albert Dock Liverpool is calling on businesses and residents to have their say over plans to transform one of its main entrances.

An exhibition taking place at the Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Building on Tuesday (September 19) will showcase an improved Northern Gateway with a new pavilion building and landscaping works.

The pavilion building would be located along Salthouse Quay and serve as a middle ground between Albert Dock, Liverpool ONE and the city centre.

Landscaping would see the space outside redesigned and opened up to the views across the Mersey and wider UNESCO World Heritage waterfront.

Drawn up by design practice Planit-IE, the proposals were originally commissioned in 2014 and form part of the Albert Dock 175 strategy launched in 2016 to address the changing needs of future visitors to this Grade I-listed estate.

Sue Grindrod, chief exec of Gower Street Estates, which owns the site, said: “The Dock is much loved by the public and continues to play a key role in the city’s evolution.

“That is why it is so important that the public are given this opportunity to gain a better understanding of what we are planning for the future, how our plans carefully respect the unique heritage and historic built environment of the Dock, and to have input in helping us shape the final plan.”

She added: “It is exciting to share these ambitious proposals as we begin to realise the masterplan that we have been working on for a number of years, to improve the visitor experience at Albert Dock, and to take Albert Dock into the next chapter of its already illustrious life.”

Image: A CGI of the proposed Northern Gateway pavilion

Planit-IE managing partner Peter Swift commented: “Planit-IE were commissioned in 2014 to prepare a vision document that sought to re-establish Albert Dock as the welcome mat for the whole of the Liverpool waterfront.

“This vision recognised the importance that a well designed, high quality, pedestrian focussed public realm would have on the future of the Dock and its ability to maintain its standing as a premier visitor attraction in the city.”

Mark Davies, director at appointed architects K2, said of the pavilion: “The building will blur the barriers between internal and external spaces, a seamless transition between building, landscape, and public art, but will remain respectful of the heritage that is deeply rooted in this magnificent collection of dock buildings.”

The exhibition will take place from 11am to 7pm.