A striking new art installation has been revealed on the top floor of the St Johns Shopping Centre car park in Liverpool. Known as the Liverpool Wall of Wonder, the bold 145-metre mural project transforms 16 large wall panels into a celebration of the city’s vibrant cultural identity.
The ambitious artwork is the creation of Alicia Woolley, a final-year Fine Art student at Liverpool John Moores University. Through dynamic digital collages, Alicia’s work pays tribute to Liverpool’s iconic figures and landmarks—from music legends like The Beatles and Cilla Black, to sporting greats such as double World Champion heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson. Liverpool’s deep-rooted football heritage is also on show, with nods to both Everton and Liverpool FC, alongside architectural icons including the Three Graces, Chinatown, St Johns Beacon, and the Royal Albert Dock.
To celebrate the mural’s completion, a special unveiling event took place on Thursday 5th June atop the city’s landmark St Johns Beacon. The occasion was attended by over 60 invited guests, including Alicia’s family and friends, the Lord Mayor of Liverpool Councillor Richard Kemp CBE, and Professor Rachel McLean.
The 1.5-metre-high artworks stretch the length of a tennis court, offering a vibrant and uplifting experience for local residents, shoppers, and visitors alike. Designed to energise the city centre space, the installation also encourages a deeper appreciation of Liverpool’s cultural and historical significance.
St Johns Shopping Centre, an award-winning retail destination in the heart of Liverpool, hosts over one million visitors each month. With 540,000 square feet of retail and leisure space, the centre features well-known brands such as JD Sports, Aldi, Home Bargains, Liverpool FC Store, Sainsbury’s, Argos and Matalan. Its 625-space car park, which recently introduced upgraded EV charging bays, now also features Alicia’s dazzling mural as part of its ongoing revitalisation.
The project reflects St Johns Shopping Centre’s commitment to supporting young talent and the wider community. It is one of several collaborative initiatives with Liverpool John Moores University. Over the past 18 months, the centre has provided job-shadowing placements for students with disabilities, supported live marketing projects, and hosted career-focused Graduate Insight sessions.
Originally from Altrincham, Cheshire, Alicia secured the opportunity through LJMU’s Discovery Internship scheme, a paid placement designed to enhance students’ employability and career insight. Following a successful interview with Centre Director Neil Ashcroft, Alicia began developing the project through site visits and creative sessions. Full-scale production commenced in March—and the Wall of Wonder is now officially open to the public.
Artist Alicia Woolley commented:
“I wanted the murals to capture the soul of Liverpool. This city has such a powerful identity with its music, its humour and its people. I hope these images encourage people to stop, look up, and feel a little more joy in their day. I have also learnt so much through this project. Working with the team at St Johns and their suppliers to deliver this huge installation has been amazing opportunity and it will be the highlight of my CV for some time to come!”
Neil Ashcroft, Centre Director at St Johns, commented:
“Our shopping centre is more than a place to shop, it is a space that connects with people and supports the local community. Alicia has created something that does just that in a truly inspiring way. The Liverpool Wall of Wonder is not only a stunning visual statement, but also a love letter to this city. We’re proud to have supported a young artist in creating something so memorable and impactful.”
Chris Finn, Director of Student Futures, said:
“We’re so proud of Alicia’s work and are thrilled to see her creative talent on display for all to see at this Liverpool landmark. We are committed at LJMU to providing a student experience that contributes to our students’ future professional success, and it’s through partnerships like ours with St Johns Shopping Centre that we can offer invaluable experience in the workplace that ensures our students are ready for employment as they progress into their graduate careers.”
Ben Sullivan, Director at Apex Parking, added:
“We are constantly seeking ways to enhance the customer experience, and Alicia’s work does just that—transforming a functional space into something uplifting and unforgettable. The Liverpool Wall of Wonder brings colour, culture, and joy to the car park, and we are thrilled to be part of this project.”
The new mural Wall of Wonder is now open to the public and can be viewed on level 4a of the St Johns Shopping Centre Car Park.
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