Shanghai Tower

[Kev]

A MULTI-million pound plan to build the north west’s tallest skyscraper on Liverpool’s waterfront was unveiled today.

Developer Peel’s £300m scheme would see the 60-storey Shanghai Tower constructed at Princes half-tide dock, on the edge of the city centre.

The firm said it would house Liverpool’s first five-star hotel as well as offices, apartments, bars and restaurants.

Surrounded by water, the skyscraper would also have a heli-pad and an underwater basement car park.

Peel, which also has plans to revitalise Liverpool’s Central Docks (http://www.yoliverpool.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2071) and Wirral’s docklands in Birkenhead and Wallasey (http://www.yoliverpool.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1867&highlight=wirrals+docklands), will reveal its final designs to the public later this year.

It has still not decided exactly what the tower would look like and will hold a competition between four of the world’s best architects to come up with a winning blueprint.

Peel bosses today said they chose the name Shanghai Tower after being inspired by the waterfront of the Chinese city, which is twinned with Liverpool.

Development director Lindsey Ashworth said: “In Liverpool, we have the Three Graces facing the Mersey.

“In Shanghai, there must have been at least 30 Graces on the waterfront, beautiful historic buildings set against a backdrop of modern skyscrapers, creating a thriving, bustling and vibrant city.”

“Having witnessed such a spectacle, I believe the potential for Liverpool’s waterfront is even more enormous than I first thought.”

IC Liverpool

[snappel]

Surrounded by water, the skyscraper would also have an underwater basement car park.
Could be tricky to navigate, unless the desired tenants have their own submersibles...

[Ged]

Don't talk wet, surely they'd line it with plasterboard first.

[shytalk]

Bring back the Amphicar. Does anyone remember them.?

[PhilipG]

Bring back the Amphicar. Does anyone remember them.?

Yes.

[Kev]

Could be tricky to navigate, unless the desired tenants have their own submersibles...

How would you gain access Snappel? You would have to go in James Bond stylee then scale the crane :PDT11

[jon_hall]

The Duck tours now have about 3 vehicles, they'll be doing park & ride at this rate.

[kat2]

hmm..letmi see, surrounded by water, well, you could "walk on water", or perhaps even a parting of the "waves"? who knows what miricale ideas they will come up with. Or perhaps all home owners (residents) will have their own Jet ski?
kat?
:rolleyes:

[Kev]

I do hope this tower gets the go ahead, that area of town is perfect!

A £300m TOWER block, rising to 60 storeys, standing on an island on Liverpool’s waterfront will be taller than any other outside London, property developers Peel Holdings said last night

The company unveiled ambitious plans for a skyscraper it wants to build in the Princes Half Tide Dock called Shanghai Tower, in homage to the Chinese city twinned with Liverpool.

The aim is for its one million square feet of development space to house offices, apartments, bars, restaurants and leisure facilities, along with the city’s first five star hotel and even a rooftop helipad.

Liverpool leader Cllr Warren Bradley said last night it had the potential to be one of the most exciting developments in Europe.

It comes as plans were also revealed yesterday for an exciting £60m redevelopment of the art deco former Littlewoods Pools building on Edge Lane with scope for a 100-bed hotel, which is among an impressive £220m portfolio of projects in the city by developers Urban Splash.

The highest tower in the North West, Peel’s Shanghai Tower will be designed by one of four world class architects AFL, Broadway Malyan, Chapman Taylor or Benoy.

The building’s name was inspired by a visit to the Chinese city just two weeks ago by Peel Holding’s development director Lindsey Ashworth, and chairman John Whittaker.

The company yesterday revealed the brief given to the four architects involves a 60- storey structure, which when finished will be surrounded by water in the Princes Half Tide Dock.

Mr Ashworth revealed: “This was conceived two weeks ago when we were in Shanghai.

“During the course of the week there, we were so impressed by the visual appearance of their waterfront and expanding economy, and level of business investment taking place there, that we decided it was appropriate to make a pledge to the Chinese dignitaries in honour of our visit.

“We pledged to construct the tallest building in the North West in our Liverpool Waters scheme and we have named it Shanghai Tower.”

The building will loom above the 40-storey Beetham West tower, currently under construction in nearby Brook Street and even over the 53-storey skyscraper proposed for the site of the former King Edward pub, near to Princes Dock.

It is understood it will also be taller than Manchester’s Beetham tower, which stands at 47 storeys and is 171 metres high.

Shanghai Towers will have one million square feet of space and parking will be hidden beneath the structure.

Peel, which also has plans to revitalise Liverpool’s Central Docks and Wirral’s docklands in Birkenhead and Wallasey, has said it plans for both waterfronts to be developed to rival cities such as Dubai, Vancouver, New York and Shanghai.

The Shanghai tower will be the first phase of developments planned as part of Peel’s massive £5.5bn Liverpool Waters project, which is the biggest ever regeneration scheme in the city’s history.

In March the Daily Post revealed images of the Manhattan-style scheme, which will include homes for 25,000 people, and is hoped could be completed by 2025.

Last night Peel said plans for the Shanghai Towers project would be submitted to the council after the winning design had been chosen, and building would start as soon as permission was granted.

The designs will be revealed in eight weeks time, but Peel could not give a final date for the project to be completed.

Mr Ashworth said: “Our proposed development schemes, Liverpool and Wirral Waters, an investment in excess of £10bn, are founded on the concept and vision of clusters of tall buildings in a waterfront environment and setting so it is important that we make the effort to learn from other great cities whose city fathers many years ago chose to pursue a similar strategy.

“In Liverpool we have the Three Graces facing the Mersey, in Shanghai there must have been at least ‘Thirty Graces’ on the waterfront; beautiful historic buildings set against a backdrop of modern skyscrapers creating a thriving, bustling and vibrant city for commerce, living and tourism.

“Having witnessed such a spectacle, I believe the potential for Liverpool’s waterfront is even more enormous than I first thought, not just to enhance the beauty of the Three Graces but to support and add to the existing City centre in terms of all its attractions.”

Peel is understood to be in negotiations with thee companies to operate the five-star hotel, which are described as among the world’s “biggest and prestigious names”.

The tower will include high quality office space and apartments that will offer some of the best views in the country.

Bars, restaurants and many other leisure facilities will also be housed inside.

Mr Ashworth said it would be a unique building and “deserves to be ambitious”.

He said: “To fill in the dock and put something there would be easier, but would also lose something. Going up tall and narrow we would lose less of the water.”

Mark Basnett, operations director at economic development and inward investment agency The Mersey Partnership, took part in the recent trade mission to Shanghai.

He said: “Plans for the Shanghai Tower reinforce Liverpool’s reputation as a truly world-class city, whose waterfront is being transformed by major new investments and developments.”

Cllr Warren Bradley, said: “The scale of this scheme shows how Liverpool is now regarded by developers as a city whose ambition knows no bounds.

“It demonstrates a confidence in the city and is the type of development Liverpool needs to establish its place as an international city.

“It is potentially one of the most exciting schemes in Europe and could further enhance our waterfront.

“The decision to set the bar high on quality design is important and I welcome the decision by Peel to launch this design competition.

“We are a city which has always looked outwards and sought inspiration from other cities.

“This proposal reflects the 21st century skyline of Shanghai in a way that will mirror its new and dramatic architecture among the buildings of the Bund which themselves pay homage to our own Three Graces.

“However, this scheme is still at its early stages and I must point out that it will still be subject to the normal planning procedures.”

Peel are in discussions with Liverpool City Council about the impact Shanghai Tower would have on the city and are now receiving guidance prior to a planning application.

Source (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2007/07/27/300million-tower-planned-for-liverpool-64375-19528805/)

[AK1]

“In Shanghai, there must have been at least 30 Graces on the waterfront

So did Liverpool until WW2 came along, then again, if they weren't destroyed, we wouldn't have half of the developments we are seeing today, how ironic.

[PhilipG]

I don't like the name Shanghai Tower.
If it's going to be so special why can't it be called Liverpool Tower?

BTW, is Owen Oyston still connected with Peel Holdings?

[Paul D]

I do hope this tower gets the go ahead, that area of town is perfect!


So do I because it would be making a massive statement about Liverpool's revival,we really do need to start attracting major companies here though if all of this is to work.

[kat2]

I think shang hi tower is alright, it promotes multiculturalism after all as the news reports suggest, Liverpool is twined with that area after all.
hmm...wonders if there will be a Liverpool Tower built in shang hi?
Its lovely to see all these exciting projects I am so envyous of Liverpool managing to get such investments and ideas.
Kat
:)

[twiz]

hmm...wonders if there will be a Liverpool Tower built in shang hi?

Google "the bund shanghai", they dedicated buildings to us a long time ago, and they are still some of the best known buildings in Shanghai, despite it having literally thousands of skyscrapers and a 20m+ population. It's one of the most powerful cities in the world and if we want to do business with anyone it's the Chinese, with their emerging economy and soon-to-be-fulfilled destiny to become the world superpower.

[Waterways]

The tower is to be built on Princes half-tide Dock on and island in the centre. They screwed this up by reducing the depth to canal boat depths preventing sea going vessels entering. A stuipd thing to do. The half-tide river lock gates could have been brought back into use. The models and renders all have sea going vessels scattered about. Maybe these will be cardboard cutouts.

If the Mersey barrage is built the river water will be locked in and all these locks can be opened allowing free movement onto the river and the dock waters. The barrage never seems to go away. It shoudl be built ASAP after all this time.

They need to dredge the filled in docks to sea vessel depths again to add value to these schemes.

[scouseyuppie]

Some ideas for Shanghai tower

http://onfinite.com/libraries/1211619/a60.jpg

http://onfinite.com/libraries/1211613/a60.jpg

[kenotoole123@msn.com]

Looks GREAT !!.....Nice work sY......'King Edward Tower' would be to the right of it...I assume?......Keep up the Stunning !!! work...:handclap:

[kat2]

that just looks like a copy of the old brunswick proposals, I like the one of the towers at the world trade center site (there are four)
kat:)

[scouseyuppie]

that just looks like a copy of the old brunswick proposals, I like the one of the towers at the world trade center site (there are four)
kat:)

i kinda like the idea of finally giving the city a spire of some sort....

[Waterways]

When are the initial proposals for this tower being announced? Nice to see what they propose.

[Max]

Some ideas for Shanghai tower

http://onfinite.com/libraries/1211619/a60.jpg

http://onfinite.com/libraries/1211613/a60.jpg

That tower will look horrible with the skyline.:eek:

[Waterways]

That tower will look horrible with the skyline.:eek:

If it looks anything like that. I like it and it clearly adds value. In that render, the Mann Island Buildings are not shown, so that view will be superb when all built. And the King Edward' Tower will be there too.

[the pool08]

Peel invites Chinese investors to fund Liverpool tower

Peel Holdings is seeking a Chinese investment partner to jointly fund the 60-storey Shanghai Tower planned for Liverpool's Princes Dock.

The powerful property and transport group controlled by billionaire John Whittaker has recruited a broker in Shanghai, the booming Chinese city that is twinned with Liverpool due to their shared merchant trading history.

The £300m project would be funded on a 50:50 basis between Peel and the Chinese partner. Peel hopes the Shanghai investor could help channel Chinese inward investment towards the 1m sq ft tower, set to contain a five-star hotel, offices and residential.

Liverpool this year sent a delegation to Shanghai to sign a memorandum of understanding to share research and advice on various social and business policy areas.

Whittaker and his development director Lindsey Ashworth were on the trip and returned with a pledge to create the Shanghai Tower at Princes Dock aimed at Chinese occupiers.

Rival architects Broadway Malyan, Benoy, Chapman Taylor and AFL are competing to design the tower, which is being hailed as the tallest skyscraper in the UK outside of London.

The four are due to present to Peel's board before the end of the year.

Peel owns hundreds of acres of dockland along with the port operations in Liverpool, Birkenhead and the Manchester Ship Canal along the River Mersey.

The company is planning £10bn of development over the next 50 years in the Liverpool Waters and Wirral Waters programmes, subject to an inevitably long planning process.

http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk

[Kev]

Thanks for the info :PDT11

[Waterways]

More info....

PEEL, the developers behind the £10 billion Liverpool Waters and Wirral Waters schemes announced that they are planning to build the North West’s tallest building fronting the River Mersey with the development of a landmark 60 storey tower that will be built in Liverpool’s Princes Half Tide Dock. The Liverpool and Wirral waterfront developments are one of the biggest regeneration schemes in the U.K. and Peel’s vision will see both these waterfronts developed to rival cities such as Dubai, Vancouver, New York and Shanghai.

This iconic tower will be designed by 1 of 4 world class architects who will be selected following a competition to ensure the structure acts as a catalyst for the regeneration of Liverpool Waters, North Shore and beyond as well as creating a unique opportunity for the people of Liverpool. Surrounded by water, the location of the tower presents exciting challenges for the architects who have massive scope for innovative design, something befitting for such a wonderful world recognised location is required. The designs will be unveiled to the public later this year, before a final concept is chosen. The selected architects are – AFL, Broadway Malyan, Chapman Taylor and Benoy.

The tower will be named “Shanghai Tower” following an inspirational visit to this great Chinese City by Peel’s Development Director Lindsey Ashworth, and Chairman John Whittaker. Liverpool has many links with China including boasting the oldest Chinese community in Europe. Twinned with Shanghai, and inspired by the bustling waterfront that combines modern skyscrapers with historic buildings, it is envisaged that Shanghai Tower will further strengthen Liverpool’s link with China as well as bringing a huge boost to the Liverpool economy.

The Liverpool Shanghai Partnership said:- “This iconic building will place the Liverpool-Shanghai bilateral relations on a level commensurate with the greatness of the two cities. The Liverpool Shanghai Partnership (LSP) is delighted with this outcome from the visit. It is a great success. The Shanghai government have told us they are impressed with these plans and it will result in massive interest from big Chinese companies in using Liverpool as a gateway to the UK and Europe.”

The North West’s tallest tower and the tallest outside of London, will bring Liverpool its first 5 star hotel as part of a massive 93,000 square metres of mixed use floor space, that’s 1 million square feet of development. Along with the hotel, that will be operated by one of the World’s biggest and prestigious names in luxury accommodation, the tower will have high quality office space and beautiful apartments that will offer some of the best views in the Country. Bars, restaurants and many other leisure facilities will also be included to provide something for everybody. Featuring the very latest in architectural design, Shanghai Tower will also boast a heli-pad on the roof of the building and underwater basement car parking.

Mark Basnett, Operations Director at economic development and inward investment agency The Mersey Partnership (TMP), took part in the recent trade mission to Shanghai. He said:- “Plans for the Shanghai Tower reinforce Liverpool’s reputation as a truly world-class city, whose waterfront is being transformed by major new investments and developments. China has one of the world’s fastest growing economies, and the naming of this iconic building will reinforce the continued business and cultural links between Shanghai and our own fast growing city.”

The tower which will be on the Liverpool Waterfront will be an investment in excess of £300 million and will transform the future of the skyline of the City. Well designed and planned tall buildings can make positive contributions to city life and Shanghai Tower will be a magnificent iconic structure that will make a statement about the city’s ambitions and it’s regeneration plans.

Councillor Warren Bradley, City Council Leader, said:- “The scale of this scheme shows how Liverpool is now regarded by developers as a city whose ambition knows no bounds. It demonstrates a confidence in the city and is the type of development Liverpool needs to establish its place as an international city. It is potentially one of the most exciting schemes in Europe and could further enhance our waterfront. The decision to set the bar high on quality design is important and I welcome the decision by Peel to launch this design competition. We are a city which has always looked outwards and sought inspiration from other cities. This proposal reflects the 21st century skyline of Shanghai in a way that will mirror its new and dramatic architecture among the buildings of the Bund which themselves pay homage to our own Three Graces. However, this scheme is still at its early stages and I must point out that it will still be subject to the normal planning procedures.”

Peel are in discussions with Liverpool City Council about the impact Shanghai Tower will have on the City and are receiving guidance prior to a planning application being submitted.

Note this..
Councillor Warren Bradley, City Council Leader, said:- “The scale of this scheme shows how Liverpool is now regarded by developers as a city whose ambition knows no bounds. It demonstrates a confidence in the city and is the type of development Liverpool needs to establish its place as an international city.

The same could be said for the Brunswick Quay Tower. The city turned that down.

[naked lilac]

That tower will look horrible with the skyline.:eek:

I agree with Max here.. The charm for Liverpool was the OLD buildings that give it that special feel. The architecture of the Liver Building overlooking the Mersey, is priceless... just stunning... I believe YES, that China is looking to develope and expand.. but, do you really need such expansion in architectural development.. and to call it Shanghi..? NOT at all a feel of Liverpool heritage...

Why not fix up Sefton Park Pavilion, and old buildings around town.. instead of building New high rise glass structures..? Only the rich Chinese investors can afford to live in..?

Okay, maybe a few are warranted., but not some monsterous High Rise..:shock: and with Chinese influence..?

I think with the new canal boat slips, and other development of the City keep it still Liverpool at heart.. Keep it British.. that was the charm.. and why people come there to see your city... Yes, you can continue to trade.. etc.. but, greed for money can be dangerous to any city...

You should be very careful, it doesn't become a new China touring
destination... We have a lot of Chinese influence here in Hawaii. Living on an island.. in fact.. we have a multi-linguest population.. It is a melting pot.. The Hawaiian style has become intrwined ..and sometimes seems to be loosing its attempt to keep Hawaii Hawaiian... okay.. just my views..
See ya next year in your "hopefully" British Scouser City... aloha:unibrow::disgust:

[Waterways]

I agree with Max here.. The charm for Liverpool was the OLD buildings that give it that special feel. The architecture of the Liver Building overlooking the Mersey, is priceless... just stunning...

I believe YES, that China is looking to develope and expand.. but, do you really need such expansion in architectural development.. and to call it Shanghi..? NOT at all a feel of Liverpool heritage...

Why not fix up Sefton Park Pavilion, and old buildings around town.. instead of building New high rise glass structures..? Only the rich Chinese investors can afford to live in..?

Okay, maybe a few are warranted., but not some monsterous High Rise..:shock: and with Chinese influence..?

I think with the new canal boat slips, and other development of the City keep it still Liverpool at heart.. Keep it British.. that was the charm.. and why people come there to see your city... Yes, you can continue to trade.. etc.. but, greed for money can be dangerous to any city...

You should be very careful, it doesn't become a new China touring
destination... We have a lot of Chinese influence here in Hawaii. Living on an island.. in fact.. we have a multi-linguest population.. It is a melting pot.. The Hawaiian style has become intrwined ..and sometimes seems to be loosing its attempt to keep Hawaii Hawaiian... okay.. just my views..
See ya next year in your "hopefully" British Scouser City... aloha:unibrow::disgust:

Naked Lilac, The Shanghai Tower will be to the left, just off shot. The design will be British and not finalised yet. There is to be a cluster of tall buildings around Central Docks, away from the main Liver Buildings. Liverpool is still an active city and needs commerce, otherwise it disappears with only the centre remaining becoming a sort of dead city like Venice.

http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/4848/liverpool3vk2.jpg

You are right in that older buildings should be used. This wonderful old block is empty:
http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/1292/liverpool26sx9.jpg

Shanghai is twinned with Liverpool and has historical links with the city. They copied the Liver Buildings and Port Authority Buildings in the 1920s. We want their investment mainly. They may use Liverpool as their gateway into UK/Europe. I doubt swarms of them will come over. The new office buildings on the old docks will attract investment which will spill over to other parts of the city and older buildings will then be filled. The docks need careful and considered renovation. They can project the city forwards if done properly.

Liverpool has the oldest Chinese community in Europe and maybe the western world. San Francisco argues it is the oldest. What make Liverpool different to other British cities is that is was/is a world city. Ian Nairn the architectural writer and broadcaster wrote in 1967, "The scale and resilience of the buildings and people (of Liverpool) is amazing - it is a world city, far more so than London or Manchester. It doesn’t feel like anywhere else in Lancashire: comparisons always end up overseas - Dublin,
or Boston, or Hamburg. The city is tremendous, and so, right up to the First World War, were the abilities of the architects who built over it – the less said about the last forty years the better…… The centre is humane and convenient to walk around in, but never loses its scale. And, in spite of the bombings and the carelessness, it is still full of superb buildings. Fifty years ago it must have outdone anything in England."

Liverpool is a World Heritage Site set out by the United Nations. Much of the centre and old docks are a heritage site or heritage site buffer zones. Inside these zones strict building codes apply.

It is balancing the old with the new. BTW, the Sefton Park Palm House has been renovated .

Below: Shanghai's copy of the Liverpool waterfront.
http://www.travel-earth.com/china/shanghai-bund.jpg

[naked lilac]

Ta .. Waterways.. those pics are magnificent.. thanks for the update on the progress of the city development.. :034:

[Paul D]

Here's a quote off one of the lads on ssc,exciting times.:)


Anyway I've seen some renders today/last night. Again I can't tell you which one of the 4 it's from but they look really, really amazing. I want it to win already but I've not seen any of the others and won't until everyone else does.


But you have every reason to get excited people because what i've seen from just one of the entries is spectacular!!!!!

[Waterways]

Here's a quote off one of the lads on ssc,exciting times.:)

Until the plans are trimmed down to something like Concourse House, or just rejected like the Brunswick Quay Tower.

If the Shanghai Tower is approved, Merseyrail has to seriously consider reopening the Waterloo tunnel which emerges adjacent. This tower may have a cascade affect of development from it further inland too and then Byrom St may need a station cutting into the tunnel.

Get the underground rail infrastructure in place and the rest will follow. This may need serious public money invested in the Merseyrail system - essential.

An outer Liverpool city centre underground circle line should be a priority to regenerate the inner city. As outlined in another thread:

- Take the Garston line at Otterspool under Otterspool Park (cut and cover). Easy to do across parkland.
- Into Aigburth Vale, and build an underground station here serving that centre.
- Down Aigburth Rd to Dingle (cut and cover again) and a station at Lark Lane, serving that centre.
- Up to Dingle from Lark Lane and branch into the Dingle tunnel
- Re-commission the disused Dingle station serving that centre.
- Re-commission the Dingle tunnel and install a gantry that takes the tracks to low level and back into the Garston line at the Herculaneum Dock.
- Abandon the St Micheal's Station and the line from Otterspool to Herculaneum.
- From the top of Aigburth Rd branch along Ullyet Rd and across Princes Park (cut and Cover), to Lodge Lane/Sefton Pk Rd. Easy to do across parkland.
- Build a station at Sefton Park Rd serving the park and that centre.
- Take the tunnel up Lodge Lane (cut and cover)
- Build a station in Lodge Lane and serve that centre.
- Up Tunnel Rd to Edge Hill junction.
- Down the Waterloo Tunnel from Edge Hill
- Cut out of the tunnel a new station at London Rd serving that centre
- Cut out of the tunnel a new station at Byrom St serving that centre
Out at Waterloo Dock
- Build a station here serving that centre
- Branch onto the northern line and back to the city centre.

This outer city center underground loop serves many centres which would act as a catalyst for regeneration in all of them - re-generate the inner city!!!!! Two existing tunnels, the Waterloo and Dingle, would be re-commissioned alleviating much of the cost with the rest being mainly cut and cover.

It would be quite cheap for what it would offer and the re-birth of the inner city. What city has such a legacy that is easily adapted to provide such a base in which to re-generate the inner city? Most other cities in the world would drool at what Liverpool has which is already in place.

[Paul D]

Until the plans are trimmed down to something like Concourse House, or just rejected like the Brunswick Quay Tower.


I wouldn't be surprised.

[jayboy]

Any news on shanghai tower plans? planning permission was due in march. Does anyonelse think a toronto style steeple would look great on radio city tower, it could be made of wiremesh so the tower could still be used for original use as a chimney. I think it would enhance our ever improving skyline no end.:rolleyes:

[Howie]

Twinning link coup for city
Jun 4 2008
by Alison Gow, Liverpool Daily Post

THE links between Liverpool and Shanghai are well documented. And today this prized relationship between these twinned cities – which share so many common factors – enters a new phase.

For Liverpool is the only UK city outside London to have won a highly-prized place to exhibit at the world’s biggest business fair, taking place in China in 2010 – the World Expo at Shanghai.

In the so-called Business Olympics, Liverpool can safely be said to have secured a gold medal; landing a place at this coveted fair ahead of 100 other cities around the world.

And the rewards promise to be very rich indeed. Held once every five years, this World Expo will be visited by an incredible 70m people – many of whom will be looking for potential new investment opportunities.

If one has to speculate to accumulate, then the £1.5m Liverpool is planning to spend on the event should be repaid tenfold; the aim is to bring billions of pounds of Chinese funding into the city.

In the race to secure a space at the World Expo, Liverpool’s long-standing twinned-status with Shanghai cannot have harmed its bid one iota.

Indeed, the chairman of Liverpool-Shanghai Partnership Drummond Bone, vice-chancellor of the University of Liverpool, says the decision illustrates neatly why it is important for cities to twin with one another.

He said Liverpool was encouraged to make this bid by Shanghai’s political leaders – and the outcome demonstrated how high China’s regard for the city really was.

It is a lesson in just how much political and commercial value these twinning partnerships really do offer. For when it came to agreeing which cities would be offered a coveted slot at the Shanghai event, one would have to conclude Liverpool has had a little extra help from its relatives. Nepotism, it is fair to say, has frequently played a role in business. In this case, the winner is Liverpool.

Source: Liverpool Daily Post (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/views/liverpool-columnists/columns/2008/06/04/twinning-link-coup-for-city-64375-21019443/)

[Harry]

Absolutely.
I can't believe this wasn't done when Radio City took over and refurbed the tower.
Should have done as you said plus made the living quarters into a globe shape and cladded the entire structure instead of adding that ugly metal contraption at the top.
Does anyone know if this struture is necessary for radio transmissions or just something to bang advertising posters on which is what used to happen before they discovered that the wind at that height tended to rip them to shreds.

[Waterways]

Absolutely.
I can't believe this wasn't done when Radio City took over and refurbed the tower.
Should have done as you said plus made the living quarters into a globe shape and cladded the entire structure instead of adding that ugly metal contraption at the top.
Does anyone know if this struture is necessary for radio transmissions or just something to bang advertising posters on which is what used to happen before they discovered that the wind at that height tended to rip them to shreds.

Microwaves. Mobile phones and the likes.

[kenotoole123@msn.com]

The 'King Edward Tower' was due in March...The 'Shanghai Tower' is still on the drawing board....supposed to be a few designs to choose from...(Mind you we were supposed to see the choices...last Christmas..!!:disgust:)

[Waterways]

http://i35.tinypic.com/2ueh6j8.jpg

Architects (http://www.afl-uk.com/files/CONCEPT%20AND%20COMPETITIONS.pdf)

" AFL were invited to enter a limited competition to design a
landmark, 60 + Storey, 1000,000 sq.ft mixed use tower on a
prominent and historic urban site in September 2007.
The proposal, to be located on an artificial dockside island within
a world heritage zone, was to create a sustainable and efficient
tower design which would act as an international icon and a
catalyst for regeneration.

Standing on an artificial island above submerged basement car
parking, the project provides hotel, office and residential
accommodation, together with sky gardens, restaurants, and
leisure facilities. The proposal is highly structurally and
environmentally engineered to create an iconic tower with
efficient column free floor plates and a low carbon footprint.
Weaving together the urban fabric and references from the city?s
historic past, the language of the building successfully developed
to create a unique form rooted in its historic context to create a
symbol of hope and a beacon for the future. "

[GNASHER]

Why? does the city need more empty office space ?

[pablo42]

Why? does the city need more empty office space ?

If investors believe they'll make a bob, it's gotta be good for the city. Inspires confidence, the bedrock of investment.

[Waterways]

The location has been moved to Clarence Dock. Well on the filled Trafalgar and Victoria Docks.

[pablo42]

The location has been moved to Clarence Dock.

Another filled in dock?

[Waterways]

If investors believe they'll make a bob, it's gotta be good for the city. Inspires confidence, the bedrock of investment.

Yep, it is also for the future. If it is there they will come when we are out of the worst financial crash in history. It is better than empty derelict spaces.

It is called planning for the future.

[pablo42]

Yep, it is also for the future. If it is there they will come when we are out of the worst financial crash in history. It is better than empty derelict spaces.

It is called planning for the future.

You bet, better than bomb sites and derelict buildings. If they can't fill them, they'll drop the price. Then they'll fill 'em.

[Waterways]

Another filled in dock?

It is already filled in. I would rather it be excavated, as it is historic - 1.5 million Irish went through that dock in the famine.

Report (http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/4577-peel-reaches-tall-building-compromise-for-liverpool-waters.html)

A separate architectural contest to design a 60-storey tower named the Shanghai Tower is on hold, Ashworth said, until the wider planning application goes in. The Shanghai Tower was first proposed to sit in the water of the Princes Half Tide Dock north of Princes Dock. After objections from the council and watchdog CABE, its position has been moved on to land at the south of the Clarence Dock cluster.

[pablo42]

It is already filled in. I would rather it be excavated, as it is historic - 1.5 million Irish went through that dock in the famine.

Report (http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/4577-peel-reaches-tall-building-compromise-for-liverpool-waters.html)

A separate architectural contest to design a 60-storey tower named the Shanghai Tower is on hold, Ashworth said, until the wider planning application goes in. The Shanghai Tower was first proposed to sit in the water of the Princes Half Tide Dock north of Princes Dock. After objections from the council and watchdog CABE, its position has been moved on to land at the south of the Clarence Dock cluster.


Sorry WW, that's what I meant.

[Waterways]

It is to be south of Clarence Dock which is the filled in Trafalgar and Victoria Docks. I bet they want to excavate the existing filled in docks, and use them as car parks. That is what they wanted to do with Princes Half-Tide dock.

If then put cars park there, they can put water back there and put the car parks inland.

[pablo42]

It is to be south of Clarence Dock which is the filled in Trafalgar and Victoria Docks. I bet they want to excavate the existing filled in docks, and use them as car parks. That is what they wanted to do with Princes Half-Tide dock.

If then put cars park there, they can put water back there and put the car parks inland.

Aint gonna lose out on free land and free landfill.

[GNASHER]

Check out the World Heritage site about hights of buildings along the waterfront.
At a meeting in Wellington or Christchurch NZ,World Heritage told reps from here that any more high rise on the waterfront could put our world heritage site status in danger of being removed.

[Waterways]

Check out the World Heritage site about hights of buildings along the waterfront.
At a meeting in Wellington NZ,World Heritage told reps from here that any more high rise on the waterfront could put our world heritage site status in danger of being removed.

UNESCO has approve the first planning draft - high rise and all. Some footy loonies are wanting and stadium there - now that may lose the WHS status.

The world-class Brunswick Quay Towers was not near a WHS but the city turned that down, yet may approve high rises right on a WHS. Only in Liverpool!!!

The Central Docks are to reflect the city's heritage. The heritage is maritime. I have seen nothing from Peel that reflects that.

Look at this pic. To the left on the quays of Princes Dock is multi-floor car park - great use of our waterspaces isn't it. An IKEA shed-like arena is put on Kings Dock. That is what they have done and expect the same. Not encouraging is it. Expect the WHS status to be revoked.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2720/4033744243_5a1e4c88bb_b.jpg

[Spike]

Im fed up of these buildings, I think the waterfront looks poo with them all :PDT_Xtremez_12:

Not a-bloomin-nother :eek: NO! NO! NO! MOOR PLEASE.

IM moving from this lego land if they keep this up, its horrible :disgust:

[ItsaZappathing]

Yep, am with Spike on that. I've said it all along about these buildings being glass and chrome/steel. Horrible.!!:PDT10 The old saying, "They don't make em' like that anymore" is so true today.

[GNASHER]

"They don't make em' like that anymore" is so true today.

We can 'make em like that' given the chance.
I have been in the building game for 42 years and the biggest tossers on site are architects.They 'design' for themself not for the client.It's 'what looks good in their portfolio,will it win a prize'.Not 'is this what the client wants?,will it fit in with the area?'.
Any building on the water front should be in harmony(externally) with what is already there.
And remember,like the '60s high rise and estates,the tossers that 'design' them don't live here.

[RoddersUK]

We can 'make em like that' given the chance.
I have been in the building game for 42 years and the biggest tossers on site are architects.They 'design' for themself not for the client.It's 'what looks good in their portfolio,will it win a prize'.Not 'is this what the client wants?,will it fit in with the area?'.
Any building on the water front should be in harmony(externally) with what is already there.
And remember,like the '60s high rise and estates,the tossers that 'design' them don't live here.

Thats just a stereotypical view of architects in my experience. Architects can only build what the clients wants. It's a bit naive to think that clients are prepared to hand over millions of their hard earned money for a building they dont like or does not meet their needs.
Times change, to build to the quality and detail level of the three grace would take an eccentric billionaire as a client.
If we took the attitude that all new buildings have to match the existing then we would still be living in caves.

[Waterways]

Thats just a stereotypical view of architects in my experience. Architects can only build what the clients wants. It's a bit naive to think that clients are prepared to hand over millions of their hard earned money for a building they dont like or does not meet their needs.
Times change, to build to the quality and detail level of the three grace would take an eccentric billionaire as a client.
If we took the attitude that all new buildings have to match the existing then we would still be living in caves.

They do have to work within framework, however many have a lot of slack within that and came up with rubbish.

When the Three Graces were built there was no English Heritage etc. They built what they liked. But after these buildings, was the demise of Liverpool architecture as no building could be built higher than them. This stifled the city, when it need a free reign.

The city needs high quality architecture - modern architecture. The Liver Buildings is American architecture. Take the towers off and it looks like anything in NY or Chicago at the time. The two others are Italianate - very different.

The city rejected a tall 50 floor buildings was proposed for Canning Place in 1951 - ended as up as the Pan-Am building in NY. The city rejected the Brunswick Quay Tower,a world-class designed building recently. The city has been annaly-retentive, which acted against its progress, so much the city declined rapidly like no other.

The city needs to move with the time, however keep and value what it has. The decimation of Central Docks may ensue - the UN gave it World Heritage Status.

[pablo42]

Reckon they should build anyhow. What's bad to one generation is great to another. I love the steel and glass buildings.

[ItsaZappathing]

. I love the steel and glass buildings.

Noooooooooooo:PDT10

[petromax]

We can 'make em like that' given the chance.
I have been in the building game for 42 years and the biggest tossers on site are architects.They 'design' for themself not for the client.It's 'what looks good in their portfolio,will it win a prize'.Not 'is this what the client wants?,will it fit in with the area?'.
Any building on the water front should be in harmony(externally) with what is already there.
And remember,like the '60s high rise and estates,the tossers that 'design' them don't live here.

Commercial clients couldn't give a toss for design. It seems to me it's the Architects who do not have the skill to master or overcome their clients' commercial considerations that create crap buildings.

Every outstanding building that has has become loved and trusted has been derided when new and therefore new-fangled nonsense that 'didn't fit in'. The Liver buildings themselves were described as monstrous (because of the overblown proportions). Truth is most people are stupifyingly frightened of anything new.

It's funny how remaining tower blocks from the mad, bad sixties are now highly desirable (simply with maintenance and the addition of a prestigious lobby)

Plenty of Architects are living and working in Liverpool and those that don't, bring something new and fresh (since we pride ourselves on being an outward-looking and international global city).

And if don't like steel and glass, it's the contractors' stranglehold on cost that has driven other 'quality' materials such as stone and bronze out of the market along with the skilled craftsmen and apprentices to go with them.

[Waterways]

Commercial clients couldn't give a toss for design. It seems to me it's the Architects who do not have the skill to master or overcome their clients' commercial considerations that create crap buildings.

Every outstanding building that has has become loved and trusted has been derided when new and therefore new-fangled nonsense that 'didn't fit in'. The Liver buildings themselves were described as monstrous (because of the overblown proportions). Truth is most people are stupifyingly frightened of anything new.


The world first metal framed glass curtain walled building., Oriel Chambers in Liverpool, was so derided, the architect never worked again. he did two buildings, the other 16 Cook Street - again a brilliant building.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2006/2407198677_cfebf78465_o.jpg

[petromax]

The world first metal framed glass curtain walled building., Oriel Chambers in Liverpool, was so derided, the architect never worked again. he did two buildings, the other 16 Cook Street - again a brilliant building.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2006/2407198677_cfebf78465_o.jpg

A great building - much hated at the time; all 'steel and glass'. And see the new Unity building in the background - no doubt getting the same treatment today.

[wsteve55]

Sad,but true! I've always thought this,and Cook st,were interesting,but didn't find out it was the same architect,till years later!