Liverpool’s skyline and general architectural identity has undergone a lot of change over the past few years, with new structures and projects popping up around the city from a commercial and residential perspective. Overall, demand for property in city is on the rise, meaning that new structures must be completed to answer this, and the newest addition to this demand looks to be in the form of a 50-storey residential skyscraper close to the waterfront.
If this project progresses, it would be the tallest structure ever constructed in Liverpool, compromising of 10 buildings with a massive total of 1,200 apartments. So far, the tallest structure in the city sits at 40 storeys, meaning this new project would be significantly bigger and would therefore become a real focal point of the skyline and the waterfront. This is a vast undertaking and if approved, could signal a new era in architectural endeavours in the city, which would mean great things for architecture jobs in Liverpool initially and property jobs in Liverpool further down the line.
Conversations around this particular site have been taking place since early 2024 and have continuously evolved. In August 2024, further land was required for the project, taking the total area to 5.7 acres inside Peel Group’s Liverpool Waters scheme (a programme designed to transform parts of Liverpool’s waterfront into thriving residential and commercial spaces).
The team behind this project includes many influential figures including developer Hugh Frost (who was behind Beetham Tower and West Tower), Home Bargains billionaire Tom Morris and more. Liverpool-based architecture practise Brock Carmichael have been appointed to draw up plans for the site alongside planning consultancy Pegasus Group.
Director of Pegasus Group’s Liverpool Office, Darren Muir, states ‘the overall project will deliver a step-change in how the north end of the city centre looks and functions’, and Hugh Frost has stated ‘we’re putting down a marker in terms of our aspirations and design standards. Discussions with Liverpool Council have been very constructive and we’re looking forward to revealing more in due course.’
Frost also highlights that ‘our target is to submit a hybrid application by the third or fourth quarter of this year, seeking outline consent for the masterplan, and detailed consent for some further buildings.’
The project still needs to receive full approval, with an ongoing eight-week consultation currently taking place via Liverpool City Council for residents and businesses to contribute their views and thoughts. If approved, this could signal a new era for architectural endeavours in the city, thereby leading to further ambitious projects along the waterfront and beyond. It will be interesting to see if and how these proposals develop following input from the city council.