Port of Liverpool Building

When Downing Developments bought this landmark Grade II* building within this World Heritage Site from the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board, they followed the aspirations of the original owners to compete with Manhattan, New York City. Their vision was to transform the building from a tired office block with no disabled or public access into a vibrant mixed-use focus for commercial activity on the Pier Head.

Donald Insall Associates conducted research into the history of the design evolution of the building and, subsequently, a series of proposals that were negotiated in detail with English Heritage, Conservation, Planning and amenity societies, and councillors. The offices remained in situ during the works while the shared areas and circulation were brought up to date, with additional improvements made to the buildings, such as a car park below a new public precinct and public access to new accommodation within the dome.