Albert Dock Liverpool is planning a new Welcome Pavilion for the Grade I-listed estate.
It has submitted a planning application to Liverpool City Council, the first phase of a masterplan to upgrade the attraction for the future.
Gower Street Estates, freeholders of Albert Dock, propose a glass structure on Salthouse Quay, covering a total floor space of 400m² (including outside canopy space). It will act as a welcome, information and event space, and also celebrate and showcase the history and heritage of Albert Dock with curated content through multi-media platforms.
The scheme also includes improvements to open up views of the UNESCO World Heritage waterfront and provide a more pedestrian-friendly arrival space for visitors, better connecting Albert Dock with Liverpool One shopping centre and the wider city.
Sue Grindrod, CEO of Gower Street Estates, says: “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.
“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.”
Six million people visit Albert Dock every year to discover its mix of culture, food, shopping and events. Its attractions include The Beatles Story, Tate Liverpool and the Merseyside Maritime Museum.
In 2021 Albert Dock will celebrate the 175th anniversary of its official opening by Prince Albert.