The Royal Liver Building, Liverpool’s most iconic landmark and one of the UK’s most recognisable buildings, will for the first time in its 108-year history be brought to life through light.
Following on from the recent announcement that the grade 1 listed building will be welcoming 43,000 sq ft of new office space, a coffee shop, bar and gym, the next phase of development is due to launch next month with a unique lighting experience.
The official launch will be the inaugural event that opens River of Light with a special show being created to commemorate the festival. Moving forward the Royal Liver Building’s light demonstrations will become an integral part of the city’s culture calendar as the building will have bespoke displays for special occasions.
The ongoing architectural lighting will form part of the legacy for the Royal Liver Building and represents just some of the significant investment that will see the iconic development open its doors to the public for the first time later this year with the building welcoming a host of new amenities. The extensive work will also see the Royal Liver Building diversify its occupier offering as c.500 sq ft office space will be available for small businesses.
The masterplan for the Royal Liver Building, developed and managed by real estate consultancy practice CBRE, is already coming to life with the iconic landmark being repositioned as a destination for both work and leisure. Earlier this year the RLB360 tour began which has seen over 32,000 visitors go behind the scenes of Liverpool’s most prestigious address in just five months.
Simon Hepple, Director for the National Building Consultancy team in Liverpool, commented:
“CBRE have produced an incredibly exciting vision for the majestic Royal Liver Building as a world class office building, expanding and enhancing its contribution to the city and ability to attract more businesses.
On behalf of real estate investment manager Corestate Capital Group and trusted partners, we have drawn on expertise to develop a program of refurbishment to create a new dynamic visitor and occupier experience.
The new lighting experience is a vital part of the repositioning of the building and the first of its kind in the UK, showcasing Liverpool’s innovative spirit. We hope that it will bring joy to visitors to the city, serving as a location to meet, enhancing the waterfront and promoting the Royal Liver Building and Pier Head as a desirable destination to work and visit.
Lauren Blow, senior Lighting Designer at Arup said:
“The scheme aims to rediscover the magnificence and form of the Grade I Royal Liver Building during the hours of darkness with a timeless external lighting scheme which transforms into a story-telling platform each night.
The clocks and famous Liver Birds which adorn the Royal Liver Building are fundamental to the Liverpool story and city heritage and are interpreted during the light show. Millions of people have looked to these towers for the time of day and, throughout history, with the hope of security for their loved ones at sea. These towers will be brought back to life with light to reinstate the original purpose of the clock towers in a 21st century ‘digital’ format.”
