Plans in for 4305 sq ft Welcome Pavilion at Albert Dock

The company behind Albert Dock has submitted a planning application for its proposed Welcome Pavilion.

Gower Street Estates, freeholder of the Grade I-listed site, is looking to build the facility on Salthouse Quay.

It represents the first phase of a wider strategy to upgrade the attraction and meet the evolving needs of future visitors.

The Welcome Pavilion would have a total footprint of 4,305 sq ft, including its outdoor canopy space.

The centre would offer information on Albert Dock while celebrating and showcasing the site’s history and heritage with curated content through multimedia platforms. It would also serve as an events space.

Included in the plans are improvements to the public realm at Salthouse Quay that would open up views of the UNESCO World Heritage waterfront, potentially creating a more pedestrian-friendly arrival space.

If approved, the project will reconnect the middle ground between Albert Dock, Liverpool ONE and the rest of the waterfront.

Landscape architecture practice Planit-IE was first commissioned to draw up a blueprint for the future development of Albert Dock in 2014.

K2 Architects designed the Welcome Pavilion, which was added to the plans later as phase one.

The planning team at professional services firm Arup led on the submission. Arup has also served as structural and civil engineer on the scheme.

Gower Street Estates chief exec Sue Grindrod said: “While we recognise and respect the important role Albert Dock has played in the fortunes of the city over the years, our focus is very much to the future and how we position Albert Dock as an internationally-recognised attraction fit for the visitors of tomorrow.

“The proposals for the Welcome Pavilion demonstrate our commitment to a long-term strategy of investment in the infrastructure of the Dock, that not only respects the unique heritage and historic built environment but brings about much-needed improvements to the visitor experience.”

She added: “We are very excited at what lies ahead for our beloved Dock and we are so grateful for the enormous team effort in getting to this stage.”

K2 Architects director Mark Davies commented: “The chance to work alongside Gower Street Estates to deliver the Welcome Pavilion is a hugely exciting opportunity.

“Albert Dock is a unique place, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and loved by locals and tourists alike. Our designs for the new Welcome Pavilion aim to improve the experience for Albert Dock’s six million visitors each year and ensure it continues to play a key role in Liverpool’s progression.”

The Welcome Pavilion design team includes Walker Sime (project managers), Steven A Hunt & Associates (MEP engineers), Curtins (highways engineers) and Rob Burns (heritage consultant).