Albert Dock submits pavilion plans

Gower Street Estates has submitted a planning application for a Welcome Pavilion at Albert Dock Liverpool, the first building in a masterplan which aims to upgrade the grade one-listed estate.

Gower Street is the freehold owner of Albert Dock, and is proposing a glass structure on Salthouse Quay, covering 4,000 sq ft including outside canopy space. The building will act as a welcome, information and event space, and celebrate and showcase the history and heritage of Albert Dock.

The scheme includes improvements to the public realm of the area to open up views of the Unesco World Heritage waterfront and provide a more pedestrian-friendly arrival space for visitors. Importantly, the scheme will reconnect the middle ground between Albert Dock, Liverpool One and the wider city context.

Landscape architect, Planit-IE, were first commissioned in 2014 to draw up a blueprint for the future development of Albert Dock, with the Welcome Pavilion, designed by K2 Architects, later added and representing the first phase in the delivery of the masterplan. The planning application was submitted by Arup’s planning team.

Sue Grindrod, chief executive of Gower Street Estates, said: “While we recognise and respect the important role Albert Dock has played in the fortunes of the city over the years, our focus is very much to the future and how we position Albert Dock as an internationally-recognised attraction fit for the visitors of tomorrow.

“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.”

Alongside K2 Architects and Planit-IE, Arup acted as structural and civil engineers, and planning consultants for the project. Walker Sime was project manager, Steven A Hunt & Associates the MEP engineers, Curtins the highways engineer, with Rob Burns as heritage consultant.