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
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