Albert Dock gets Royal status

As development at the site starts to move forward, Liverpool’s Albert Dock will from today be known as The Royal Albert Dock after gaining royal status ahead of its 175-year anniversary in 2021.

The organisation which runs the site on Liverpool’s UNESCO World Heritage waterfront requested royal status ahead of the 2021 anniversary with an aim to “assert the dock’s position as a world-class leisure destination”.

Aberdeen Standard Investments took over the dock’s commercial interests in 2016, and has started to ramp up development at the site with a focus on making the area a retail and food destination.

Core to the plans is the Welcome Pavilion, a 4,000 sq ft structure at Salthouse Quay to act as an information centre and events space, along with displays to showcase the history of the area.

Designed by K2 Architects and supported by Arup, engineer Curtins, and project manager Walker Sime, the pavilion secured planning permission earlier this month, and work is expected to start in the autumn ahead of completion in summer 2019. Landscape architect Planit-IE has worked on a masterplan for the wider site.

The dock will be celebrating its 175-year anniversary in 2021. Image: Paul McMullin Photography 

Sue Grindrod, chief executive of The Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, said the royal status would be a “game-changer” for the site.

“It marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the dock’s history, highlighting the important role heritage tourism can play within the city and city region context, and firmly repositioning the dock on the international stage,” she said.

Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson added: “This is fantastic news. Albert Dock holds a special place in the heart of Liverpool and this royal recognition solidifies the significance of the dock in this country and around the world. The regal stamp of approval is a reflection of this city’s heritage and cultural importance and I am thrilled at this news.”