New World Square

[Kev]

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/icliverpool/sep2005/8/2/0006307F-E04D-1316-9D280C02AC1BF824.jpg
Images created and copyright by Tekuchi Ltd



A MULTI-million pound hotel, homes and leisure development could be coming to Liverpool's waterfront. A five-star hotel, 299 luxury flats, restaurants and bars, shops and a fitness spa are proposed in the £130m New World Square plan.





(*Note you can also see that New Museum too)





Source (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid=15919738%26method=full%26siteid=50061% 26headline=%2d130m%2dsquare%2dfor%2dcity%2ddock-name_page.html)

[Max]

:cool: The more Restuarants the better.

[Kev]

Developers planning to build on Liverpool's Princess Dock have praised the city's high standards of architecture and design.

More (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/merseyside/4204896.stm)

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40752000/jpg/_40752134_scouse_203.jpg
Images created and copyright by Tekuchi Ltd

[lindylou]

I like the look of the New World Square plan - very smart - but I have to say that I'm not impressed with the Museum building. It looks very uninspiring. Perhaps it will look nicer in reality, but on the plans I don't like the shape of it. I would rather have the much maligned 'Cloud' ... at least that was interesting and unusual. This latest idea is very disappointing I think.

[Paul D]

A planning application has just gone in for New World Square so fingers crossed. :thumbsup:

[Max]

Developers planning to build on Liverpool's Princess Dock have praised the city's high standards of architecture and design.

More (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/merseyside/4204896.stm)

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40752000/jpg/_40752134_scouse_203.jpg
Images created and copyright by Tekuchi Ltd



Is Princes dock the other part by Toys R Us?

[Paul D]

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/8672/432bravenewworldforliverpoolpi2.jpg
Images created and copyright by Tekuchi Ltd
http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/4169/432bravenewworldforliverpoolpi1.jpg
Images created and copyright by Tekuchi Ltd
http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/6585/432bravenewworldforliverpoolpi.jpg
Images created and copyright by Tekuchi Ltd

Here's some better renders of this development. :razz:

Princes Dock is the one next to the Liver Building.

[Kev]

That is NICE - cheers for those renders, it shows the area off really well.

I love the mixture of buildings around the World Heritage Site :razz: Will the World Her Site be appropriate though? Will it get knocked back because of it?

[Paul D]

Time will tell I suppose but they put it in for planning the same time as the canal link which is meant to run through the foyer of the hotel,is this just coinsidence??

[Kev]

Time will tell I suppose but they put it in for planning the same time as the canal link which is meant to run through the foyer of the hotel,is this just coinsidence??

Oooooh, that would be nice ;)

[Kev]

A five-star hotel complete with a rooftop public viewing platform is to be built just yards from the Pier Head. Developers Lead Asset Strategies are within days of signing up a big-name hotel operator for the hotel which will form part of the £130m development for Princes Dock.

A 25 storey tower housing apartments will stand next to the hotel. The site is between the Crowne Plaza Hotel and the riverfront. Talks between the developer and national heritage and conservation bodies have led to an original plan, submitted last summer, being completey withdrawn. LCC planners and Liverpool Vision have also been involved in the discussions.

A spokesman for architect, John Lyall, said "The design has emerged following a lengthy period of discussion with LCC, LV, English Heritage and CABE". The plans respect and preserve key views of the waterfront and its world famous architecture, describing the site as of " unique significance"

Lead Assets are proposing a 224 room hotel in a building ranging from 11 to 13 floors, a business centre, spa and a free viewing area reached by a scenic lift. There will be 380 space underground car park.

The plan also includes a U shaped 12 storey high residential block with 264 flats. A 25 storey tower on the site will have 120 flats on the top 22 floors. At ground level there will be a centrpiece public piazza with the extended Leeds & Liverpool canal cutting through the site.

A decision by the council's planning committee is expected to be in the autumn.

Source - Daily Post

[Bunnyman]

Don't do it to us Kev! How can you tease us with such information and not have any pictures? It's a shame that the original plans are being withdrawn, as they were excellent.

[Kev]

Don't do it to us Kev! How can you tease us with such information and not have any pictures? It's a shame that the original plans are being withdrawn, as they were excellent.

Renders are on the cards I'm sure.....

[Paul D]

Renders are on the cards I'm sure.....

We want them now,I loved the original designs so these better be good.I hope this one goes ahead though it will really add to our already great skyline.

[Kev]

A FIVE-STAR hotel, complete with a rooftop public viewing platform, is to be built on the most sensitive building site in Liverpool, just yards from the Pier Head.

London-based developers Lead Asset Strategies are within days of signing up a big-name five-star operator for the hotel which will form the centrepiece of a £130m development at Princes Dock.

A 25-storey tower block, housing luxury apartments above a double-storey glass- fronted ground floor will stand next to the new hotel.

The site, between the Crowne Plaza Hotel and the riverfront, is regarded as the most sensitive in Liverpool because of its closeness to the Unesco World Heritage Site.

Talks between Lead and national heritage and conservation bodies have led to an original plan, submitted last summer, being completely redrawn.

City council planners and the city's regeneration company, Liverpool Vision, have also been involved in the discussions.

Liverpool Vision has welcomed a scheme for the site but insists the critical factor will be the quality and finish of the proposed buildings.

A spokesman for Lead's architect, London-based John Lyall, said: "The design has emerged following a lengthy period of discussion with the city council, Vision, English Heritage and CABE (The Commission for Architect and the Built Environment)."

The plans are said to respect and preserve key views of the waterfront and its world-famous architecture, describing the site as of "unique significance".

The scheme is expected to create 300 jobs, 180 in the hotel and 120 in the proposed retail and commercial floorspace.

Lead has now handed its revised plans to the city council for assessment and a decision by the city council's planning committee, expected to be in the autumn.

Lead, headed by business tycoon Raj Basu, propose a 224-room five-star hotel in a building ranging from 11 to 13 floors. There will be an 800 sq metre business centre, health centre and spa and a free public viewing area reached by a scenic lift. There will be a restaurant and function space on the top floors.

The scheme also includes a subterranean car park on three levels for 380 vehicles.

Lead say in their submission: "We are committed to the delivery of a five-star hotel and are in advanced negotiations with suitable operators."

The scheme also includes a U-shaped 12-storey high residential block containing 264 apartments, with one, two or three bedrooms.

Towering above those two structures will be a 25-storey building, with 120 apartments on the top 22 floors.

They will offer what will rate as among the best views of the city and the river, directly overlooking the world-famous waterfront with the Three Graces.

At ground level there will be a centrepiece public piazza, with the extended Leeds-Liverpool Canal cutting through the site. Although a number of four-star hotels have opened in recent years, and more are in the pipeline, this will be the first large- scale five-star operation in the city.

An 80-room five-star boutique hotel is being developed at the former Municipal Annexe, in Dale Street.

The site will overlook the new cruise liner terminal currently under construction.

Raj Bafu, managing director of Lead Asset Strategy, said: "We're delighted to be moving ahead with this international quality scheme on one of Europe's premier development sites.

"It will be a fitting place for what will be the city's first five-star hotel."

[Paul D]

I love the idea of a viewing platform in such a prominent position,photo's from there will be amazing.:celb (23):

[Kev]

THESE are the first images of what Liverpool's first five -star luxury hotel will look like nestled on the city's waterfront. (Pics should follow shortly!!)

London developers Lead Asset Strategies last night released artist's impressions of their £130m New World Square scheme, which will occupy a key site next to the Pier Head.

The pictures show how the eight storey hotel will form the centrepiece of the development at Princes Dock, with views from its 224 rooms looking out over the new cruise liner terminal.

For the first time, the images reveal how the Leeds-Liverpool Canal extension will run through an illuminated culvert under the hotel.

Guests will be able to view the canal from picture windows in the basement health spa.

The hotel will also include an international business centre, health spa, glazed rooftop restaurant, terrace and public viewing area.

The company says talks are now at an advanced stage with a "leading five-star operator" to run the hotel, and it has just resubmitted a planning application for the entire development.

The plan also includes a 25-storey tower block, housing 120 luxury apartments above a double-storey glass-fronted ground floor that will stand next to the hotel.

A third U-shaped building of between 9 and 12 stories housing 264 apartments and two floors of glazed commercial space for restaurants and shops at piazza level.

There will also be a new illuminated piazza and performance area, which the company says will provide "an animated space at the heart of the development".

They believe it will "enhance pedestrian links between the Princes Dock and the new Pier Head" and provide a sheltered venue for cultural events like fairs concerts, and street theatre.

The company's architect John Lyall said the final design came after extensive consultations with urban design and conservation groups including CABE and English Heritage.

Talks with city planners and Liverpool Vision have already seen one revision of plans to make sure the development "complements existing and proposed waterfront features."

Last night, Lead Asset Strategy's chairman Raj Basu said: "This is one of Europe's most exciting and sensitive development sites and we have been determined to deliver an international quality scheme that fulfils the city's ambitions.

"John Lyall is one of the UK's most talented and respected architects and he has produced an intelligent and sensitive scheme that will be an attractive addition to the waterfront skyline."

The company's promotional literature boasts the development will deliver international quality architecture that "respects the important historic setting", and "re-animates the waterfront".

Mr Lyall's practice has an award winning reputation for landmark urban regeneration schemes in Leeds, London, Cardiff Bay and Ipswich Waterfront.

The architect said: "The development at New World Square has to take on board the attributes of stature, dignity and excitement without dominating the Three Graces or the Liverpool skyline. "There is also the opportunity to open up and frame views at street level, reinforcing the sense of place. We believe that this scheme delivers on all three counts, and more."

There will now be a further period of consultation with heritage groups and stakeholders before the plans can be given the go ahead.

Mr Basu said he was confident that if the scheme is given the go-ahead within the next few months then it could be completed before the end of 2008.

He said: "The planning process has taken a little longer than we anticipated, but we have been happy to take time to get things right.

"This is a world-class site demanding the highest quality architecture."

Liverpool company EC Harris have been appointed project managers after already helping deliver several high profile projects in the city including Beetham Tower and Aintree Racecourse.

deborahjames@dailypost.co.uk

[Kev]

Teeny Tiny

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/icliverpool/jun2006/4/3/8EAF6841-AA69-AB55-103F69F1479CBCA6.jpg

[Paul D]

I prefered the original render Kev but the canal link running under it and the new public viewing platform more than make up for this.:celb (23):

[Liverpolitan]

We have to get the old proposals back. These new ones are no good. :disgust:

[Kev]

We have to get the old proposals back. These new ones are no good. :disgust:

I liked the old ones too when I first seen 'em. Welcome to the forum btw Liverpolitan :PDT_Piratz_26:

[Kev]

Latest:

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/7614/newworldsquare119iq.jpg

[Max]

Teeny Tiny

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/icliverpool/jun2006/4/3/8EAF6841-AA69-AB55-103F69F1479CBCA6.jpg

They don't mix much together.

[Paul D]

They're hardly beautiful but it will add to the skyline and they're better than what we have at present so build it I say.:celb (23):

[Max]

The best cities always have sky scrapers.:PDT_Aliboronz_24:

[Paul D]

The Liver Building used to be the tallest building in Europe does that mean we're the best?:snf (41):

[Kev]

The Liver Building used to be the tallest building in Europe does that mean we're the best?:snf (41):

I never knew that Paul, cheers.

[Kev]

PLANS for a riverside development in Liverpool that will include the city's first five-star hotel have won backing from the country's top design watchdog.

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/icliverpool/jun2006/6/3/8EB14A8E-C269-2867-4CB062361DB1D695.jpg

Cabe, the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment, has been examining proposals for New World Square, an iconic development overlooking the Pier Head at Princes Dock.

The site is sandwiched between the River Mersey wall and the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Government-sponsored Cabe, responsible for promoting architectural excellence, has commended the plans for a major mixed-use development on Liverpool's waterfront.

Cabe offered its support for the New World Square development at Princes Dock following a presentation to their Design Panel. In its report following the presentation, CABE concluded: "We offer our support to this proposal and would be happy to see it built, as part of the general revival of this part of Liverpool.

"The visualisations demonstrate the positive impact of the scheme on views both near and distant.

"Careful thought in terms of quality of life, landscape design, activity at ground level and routes and views to the surrounding area is evident.

"We think that both the massing of the scheme and the subtle and sophisticated nature of the architecture proposed will be compatible with the much-loved Three Graces as well as the new developments along the waterfront."

The scheme has had a mixed reaction since images of the proposed project were first published some weeks ago.

Site owner Princes Dock Development Company, now part of the Manchester family-owned business Peel Holdings, say negotiations are continuing with several operators eager to open Liverpool's first five-star hotel.

Raj Basu, chairman of Lead Asset Strategies, the developers behind the scheme, said: "We have been clear about our commitment to deliver a development of the highest architectural quality that complements this sensitive and striking site.

"The support of Cabe is most welcome, but it is the views of Liverpool people and the city council planning committee that are ultimately important to us. We will be consulting widely over the next few weeks and hopefully this scheme will be seen as a worthy addition to one of the world's greatest waterfronts."

Architect for the scheme, John Lyall, said: "We are naturally delighted with the support from CABE's design panel.

larryneild@dailypost.co.uk

[Blabber]

This has really grown on me TBH. It will do a lot for the area- bringing people there to work in the offices and live in the flats. And that area needs some shops, bars and restaurants. There's no point having a world heritage site and attracting tourists to it if they have sod all to do when they get there.

I think the designs are fine- they don't offend me at all. And the white and glazing facias is fresh IMO. It also adds some good mass to the area- far better than the rubbish in Princes Dock at the moment.

In terms of the exact appearance, it will porobably look better in the flesh than on those renderings. I'm glad CABE have given it the thumbs up :PDT_Aliboronz_24:

[Paul D]

It's refreshing to hear someone have some positive things to say about NWS,I agree it'll be better than people think,not many cities in England will have a viewing platform with such great views of such a stunning vista,how many places in England have a hotel with a canal running through it were you can be having a massage and watch the barges go by on the canal below?and that restaurant will be great imagine watching the cruise ships and boats go by from there,fantastic get it built and Liverpool will leave everywhere else standing!:PDT_Aliboronz_24:

[wallasey]

I like both proposals!

The first is out of this world as you rarely see any curvy buildings so I think that they would add to the Pier Head area immensely!

The second proposals are simple, which is probably why people don't like them but they do look good and they seem to compliment their neighbours too!

[FKoE]

I'm just lickin' me lips at all the higher business rates and community charges WE the council going to get .......... *slurp ...

[Waterways]

I never knew that Paul, cheers.

I don't think it ever was. Lincoln and Cologne cathedrals are very high. Lincoln Cathedral was the tallest building in the world for centuries.

[Kev]

Opening to all - a bird's-eye city view

Nov 13 2006

By Sam Lister

VISITORS are set to get a dramatic new view of Liverpool's historic waterfront, the Daily Post can reveal.

Developers want to build an observatory on the roof of the city's new five-star hotel and open it up to the public.

As well as the bird's-eye level extended viewing platform, the design includes plans for a rooftop restaurant.

Architect John Lyall said: "Views across Liverpool's World Heritage waterfront are the definitive image of Liverpool. But in reality there is no place, at the moment, where their full majesty can be experienced and appreciated by the public.

"For the first time, this observatory will enable the public to view the World Heritage Site from an elevated point."

London developers Lead Asset Strategies (LAS) are behind the plans, which are part of the New World Square development on Princes Dock.

The £130m mixed-use project will form a key gateway connecting the dock to the Pier Head and wider waterfront.

As well as an international hotel and business centre and a 25 storey residential tower with 120 apartments, a u-shaped building with 264 apartments there will also be commercial space for restaurants and shops, and a new illuminated piazza and performance area.

The observatory would be decked out with a visual history of the city's waterfront identifying key landmarks.

LAS is working on the detailed design of the observatory, which they hope would become a major waterfront destination, and is expected to submit a planning application soon.

Developers hope to go on site in spring next year with completion due for late 2008.

Raj Basu, LAS chairman, said: "The site itself is crucial to the history of the City. From here, thousands embarked on their journey to the New World, and it was also a key gateway for new settlers to England, many of whose ancestors remain in Merseyside and the North West.

"The viewing gallery will commemorate this heritage as well as providing the public with the chance to really appreciate one of the world's greatest waterfronts.

"Because of the site's unique heritage value we are also proposing to include a narrative commemorating the Waterfront's past, as well as viewing aids to help visitors identify key city landmarks."


LAS is working on the detailed design of the observatory, which they hope would become a major waterfront destination, and is expected to submit a planning application soon.

Developers hope to go on site in spring next year with completion due for late 2008.

Raj Basu, LAS chairman, said: "The site itself is crucial to the history of the City. From here, thousands embarked on their journey to the New World, and it was also a key gateway for new settlers to England, many of whose ancestors remain in Merseyside and the North West.

"The viewing gallery will commemorate this heritage as well as providing the public with the chance to really appreciate one of the world's greatest waterfronts.

"Because of the site's unique heritage value we are also proposing to include a narrative commemorating the Waterfront's past, as well as viewing aids to help visitors identify key city landmarks."

samlister@dailypost.co.uk

source (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/liverpoolecho/news/echonews/tm_headline=opening-to-all-%2D-a-bird%2Ds%2Deye-city-view%26method=full%26objectid=18086118%26siteid=50 061-name_page.html)....

[The Teardrop Explodes]

The original curved orange-segment designs for NWS were wierder and therefore better imo.

[Paul D]

The latest planning application is now for a revised 16 storey development I'm not liking this anymore,the original was well better.

[AK1]

The latest planning application is now for a revised 16 storey development I'm not liking this anymore,the original was well better.

Agreed! They seem to be cutting it back more and more. I dont see the problem with a taller tower. You could stick a 25 storey tower on that plot and it wouldn't deminish the three graces at all. This attitude of ' the three graces must be the only looked at buildings' is really getting on my nerves. No matter how many buildings you put on the waterfront, the graces will always be admired. We can have other buildings to look at aswell!!:disgust:

[scouserdave]

"For the first time, this observatory will enable the public to view the World Heritage Site from an elevated point."


I think a few us have already been there, done that, wore the t-shirt:celb (23):

[Kev]

DEVELOPERS behind one of Liverpool's most prestigious waterfront developments last night vowed to bring the first major five- star hotel to the city.

Lead Asset Strategies has applied for permission for the £130m New World Square scheme and the application is expected to go before planning councillors this month (DEC).

The development includes a rooftop restaurant and public viewing area to allow visitors to get a spectacular view of Liverpool's World Heritage Site.

And LAS insists the development’s hotel will built to five-star specifications.

Company chairman Raj Basu said: “From the outset we have viewed this site as a five-star location, and we have designed the hotel to a five-star specification with some exceptional features and qualities.

“The design integrates with the Pier Head canal link. The canal will run through an illuminated culvert under the hotel, and passing boats can be viewed from a glazed wall in the basement health spa.

“With the extraordinary revival of Liverpool's commercial quarter, and its growing reputation as an exciting and cosmopolitan visitor destination, operators’ perceptions of the city are changing.

“The 2008 Capital of Culture award and the recent World Heritage Site designation have opened people's eyes to what Liverpool has to offer. A great international city like Liverpool needs and deserves the highest quality tourism facilities.”

The company hopes to announce a five-star operator if planning consent for the scheme is granted.

The mixed-use Princes Dock project will connect the dock to the Pier Head and wider waterfront.

As well as an international hotel and business centre and a 25-storey residential tower with 120 apartments, and a u-shaped building with 264 apartments, there will also be commercial space for restaurants and shops, and a new illuminated piazza and performance area.

The observatory would be decked out with a visual history of the city’s waterfront identifying key landmarks.

Developers hope to go on site in spring next year with completion due for late 2008.

Jack Stopforth, chief executive of Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, said: “It is vital for the city's continuing success that we strengthen our credentials in the international corporate hospitality market by attracting and securing a five star operator in Liverpool.

“There is currently an excellent boutique hotel offer; however, it is a matter of scale and economics. If Liverpool wants to attract global companies, who will automatically demand the highest quality accommodation, then a five-star hotel is a must.”

source (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/liverpooldailypost/news/regionalnews/tm_headline=five-star-hotel-before-planners%26method=full%26objectid=18188420%26sitei d=50061-name_page.html).....

[Paul D]

Multi-million city scheme set for go-ahead


A MULTI-million pound hotel, homes and leisure complex earmarked for Liverpool’s waterfront is set to get the go-ahead.

The £130m New World Square development - proposed for land at Princes Dock - includes a five-star hotel and more than 360 apartments, partly in a 16-floor tower.


http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/liverpooldailypost/news/breakingnews/tm_headline=multi%2Dmillion-city-scheme-set-for-go%2Dahead%26method=full%26objectid=18210935%26sit eid=50061-name_page.html

When the heritage freaks back something it gets approved I just can't see anything positive in this building.

[Waterways]

Liverpool's first 5 star hotel? The Adelphi at its height was second to none.

[Kev]

Can it be better than the Radisson? I would have thought that was 5*

[Kev]

ROYAL Liver Assurance has criticised a multi-million pound waterfront project that includes Liverpool's first five-star hotel.

Company bosses believe the Princes Dock scheme will block out the majority of views of the famous Royal Liverpool Building, known the world over as an icon of Liverpool.

Despite the objection, the city's planning managers are recommending the council planning committee should approve the scheme when it meets next Tuesday.

In another attack on the scheme last night, Wayne Colquhoun, chairman of Liverpool Preservation Trust, said: "It seems this city is determined to agree to major schemes within the World Heritage area before a major report from Unesco on December 15.

"I can't believe they are even considering this when just four days later we will have an idea from the World Heritage Centre about their views on the developments in and around the Pier Head."

The council-backed organisation, Liverpool Urban Design and Conservation Advisory Panel, praised the architect for a scheme on what is a world-class location.

But the panel said the stature of the iconic site was too great to be used predominantly for mass market residential purposes. Instead, it should be used as the headquarters of a major international company.

Instead the developers, Lead Asset Strategies, plan to build just a modest amount of office space within the project.

The site, between the River Mersey and the Crowne Plaza Hotel is within Princes Dock, currently used as the operational base for the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company.

Planning committee members plan to visit the site before making a decision later on Tuesday morning.

Lead Asset Strategies is seeking the go-ahead for a development that includes 362 apartments, a hotel and spa, office suites and commercial space. There will also be a three-level underground car park for 380 vehicles.

The hotel will be housed in a 13-storey building, with 224 guest rooms as well as a business centre and a public viewing terrace on the roof.

A proposed tower building has been reduced in height from 24 levels to 17 after concerns were raised by English Heritage and the council's planning manager Nigel Lee. This was because of the closeness to the site of the Royal Liver Building.

The extension of the Leeds-Liverpool Canal to the Albert Dock will pass through the site in a culvert.

Royal Liver Assurance also opposed the Mann Island development by Neptune, again because of the impact on views of the Royal Liver Building. That scheme won planning consent last month on the casting vote of committee chairman Cllr Lady Doreen Jones.

The assurance company has told the council it believes the scheme contravenes a Unesco convention, a claim disputed by council officials who insist neither project close to the Pier Head poses a threat to the World Heritage site.

Planning manager Nigel Lee says the scheme will introduce a positive and complementary addition to the inventory of outstanding architectural buildings that define the character and importance of the Pier Head.

"The new complex has been designed to respect and celebrate the city's historical and architectural legacy," he said.

larryneild@dailypost.co.uk

[Squirrel]

Can it be better than the Radisson? I would have thought that was 5*

The Radisson SAS is a four star (I've heard it described as "four star deluxe", whatever that means, I suspect that its a cop out aimed to get away with the fact that an actual five star hotel was promised for that site).

Five star hotels are rather rare outside of London. Manchester has only one - Rocco Forte's Lowry Hotel and that's recent.

I'll be pleasantly surprised if either of the two currently promised "five star hotels" for Liverpool - New World Square and the old Municipal Annexe actually turn up to be so. Ending up with two of them sounds very hopeful indeed.

[AK1]

Cries of 'sacrilege' as first five-star hotel is approved Dec 13 2006

By Caroline Innes, Liverpool Daily Post Staff

THE path was cleared for Liverpool's first five-star hotel yesterday when a £130m waterfront project was given the go-ahead.

The city's planning committee approved the New World Square development at Princes Dock despite objectors warning it will block out views of the Liver Building and strangle tourism in the city.

Wayne Colquhoun, chairman of Liverpool Preservation Trust, described the scheme as "sacrilegious" and a Crowne Plaza hotel spokesman said it would create an over-supply of hotel accommodation in the city - forcing other new hotel chains out of business.

The project is being delivered by developers Lead Asset Strategies (Liverpool) Ltd and is designed by leading UK architect John Lyall.

The developers are in talks with a number of five-star hotel chains with a view to operating from the site but said a deal could not be secured until the whole scheme had got the green light.

Apart from the hotel, the development will include a health spa, commercial office suites, restaurants, shops, 362 residential apartments, a new public piazza and a rooftop observatory, on the condition that developers include a large amount of greenery and soft planting as part of the scheme.

Work is likely to start in the early part of 2007 with completion targeted for late 2008.

Lead Asset Strategies chairman Raj Basu said: "It has been a lengthy process of consultation and dialogue with the planners, but I am pleased that we have now received approval for this extremely exciting development.

"We are looking forward to commencing work in the early part of the New Year and getting on with the delivery of what will be both a stunning new landmark and a vibrant destination on one of the world's greatest waterfronts.

"Although no deal with a hotel chain has yet been approved, we are certainly a lot closer after this decision."

[AK1]

My opinion on this development has gradually changed over the past few months. At first I thought a tall development (20 storeys) would be ok, but now I think that a low rise development would be best. I am all for tall buildings such as the KE tower and Peel's plan for central docks, but I think a tall development that close to the Liver Building would seriously harm it's image and block out some of it's best views.

[petromax]

Yes AK1. I think this site should be just below the 'shoulder ' of the Liver Buildings

[kat2]

I dont know its a difficult one to call, yes, if the new proposed high rise building was stunning, it would just make the liver buildings stand out even more, but the other side of this too, is it goes against council policy where they did say they wanted a stepped or steeped aproach to the waterfront views. perhaps something in Mirrored glass, dunno but something rather special that would have your jaw drop I think would enhance and compliment.
same could have been argued about the other so called grace though couldnt it?
Ive looked at some of the buildings on skyscrapercity in other countrys and i must say some are stunning and very creative.
kat:)

[petromax]

Yes, you can't argue against quality and every new building should be great, but no matter how brilliant an individual design is, the waterfront should be a single composition enhancing the setting of the Crown Jewels ie the Three Graces and in particular the Liver Buildings, recognised around the world as a symbol of a great city, like the Statue of Liberty in New York or the Opera House in Sydney.

A great choir has only one leading voice.

[Harry]

I can't understand everyones fixation with the Liver building.
I think its brutal and ugly, like something from soviet-era Moscow.
Its a grey, rectangular office block and is not as old or "historic" as people seem to think and is only saved at all by the clock towers.
I think if it didn't exist and someone wanted to build it nowdays, the likes of Wayne Colquhoun would be, once again, screaming sacrilege.

[AK1]

I can't understand everyones fixation with the Liver building.
I think its brutal and ugly, like something from soviet-era Moscow.
Its a grey, rectangular office block and is not as old or "historic" as people seem to think and is only saved at all by the clock towers.
I think if it didn't exist and someone wanted to build it nowdays, the likes of Wayne Colquhoun would be, once again, screaming sacrilege.

I think you have a point there. Liverpool has far more impressive and historic buildings than the Liver Building, but I think it's more what it symbolises than anything else. It symbolises our great industrial past and our reputation as a world port. There are buildings all over the city centre and beyond that are far more impressive and interesting than the Liver Building.

[petromax]

Absolutely Agree. It's not what it is that's important - it's what it represents that matters.

Even 'beautiful' Sydney Opera House is as ugly as sin close up because the sail design doesn't fit an opera house which is housed in a pink blob at the bottom.

[Harry]

You're contradicting yourself. You say every building should be great in one entry and then say its what it represents is what counts.
I would love to see a skyscraper right by the Liver building. In my opinion, it wouldn't detract at all from what's there. Juxtaposition describes the context.

[Kev]

£130m start date for large Pier Head project

BUILDING work on a spectacular waterfront development in Liverpool will finally get under way in September after protracted negotiations.

The £130m New World Square project was first mooted three years ago but has been subject to intense scrutiny due to its location at the heart of the city’s World Heritage site.

English Heritage and planners at the city have worked closely with developer Lead Asset Strategies to get the scheme off the drawing board.

The site lies opposite the cruise berth at Princes Dock and is next to the Royal Liver Building.

It is one part of two book- end projects at either end of the Pier Head, the other

being the homes and office development at Mann Island.

New World Square will include 362 apartments, an eight-storey five-star hotel, health spa, restaurant and commercial office suites.

It will also feature a dramatic rooftop observatory, public piazza and 380 subterranean car parking spaces.

News that the scheme will finally be under way comes just 48 hours after the Daily Post revealed that the 376 apartments at Mann Island have been block-sold in Liverpool’s biggest ever residential deal.

Martin Green, partner at King Sturge and broker of the £70m Mann Island transaction, said: “This is more great news about another fantastic development in Liverpool. It always amazes me just how much negativity there is about the number of apartments being built.

“These top-drawer schemes on the waterfront just demonstrate the great demand for high-quality schemes. The fact that serious developers are interested in investing in Liverpool shows the true state of the market.

“The first day we started marketing Mann Island, we had immediate interest that resulted in a block sale to Dylan Harvey although it took some time to negotiate the final details.

“I expect similar high interest in New World Square when we launch that later in the year. Those two, together with One Park West in the Grosvenor development, make up a triumvirate of unsurpassable waterfront schemes.”

Mann Island consists of three wedge shaped blocks containing offices and apartments. More than half of the apartments have already been reserved.

The two schemes will lie at either end of the Graces on the Pier Head. At the same time, construction work is continuing on the Leeds Liverpool Canal extension project along the waterfront, which is now two thirds complete with the Pier Head section due to be finished in August.

Martin Clarke, regeneration manager for British Waterways, said: “One of the biggest challenges is how closely the scheme integrates with adjacent developments. This is a tough engineering task and requires negotiation between project managers and contractors.”

The Pier Head section will be complete in August, just before New World Square gets under way.

Liverpool Daily Post

[toby]

Hi Kev

[Espresso Bar]

Image from here (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=571444) :


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v421/Martin_S/DevelopmentSummary/newworldsquare2.jpg

[AK1]

I think this development should be ok and will probably look better in real life than on the artist impression. The height and shape seem just right, not too big.:PDT11

[fortinian]

Not too imposing I agree... but it's still a horrid glass-and-steel box. It looks like it'll be made from Meccano!

[skgogosfan]

Has this started at last,or has it been delayed again?

Dave.

[Kev]

The scheme isn't dead and buried afterall...

read (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2009/01/20/we-ll-still-build-700-waterfront-homes-64375-22731360/2/)