Liverpool Echo Arena and Convention Centre

The new Liverpool Arena and Convention Centre is located on the historic 'central' waterfront that addresses the River Mersey. The proposal is part of Liverpool's urban regeneration scheme which recognises the importance of the historic city, recently ratified as a World Heritage Site.

The proposals establish Liverpool as a major city and destination competing directly with the UK's other major cities, and has already atracted National and International businesses to locate to the city. The arena and convention centre will provide a world class facility second to none making it a highly desirable venue for world class artist, performers and businesses.

The architecture expresses the buildings as a series of related forms that create a visually unified complex along with a series of exciting public spaces that respond to their urban context and historic setting. The composition of the two large flat curved forms, pivoted about the central Galleria resembles a pair of 'outstretched arms' or 'wings', titled up from the head. This makes a strong visual statement on the  waterfront yet relates in scale to the adjacent historic Albert Dock and from a distance at water level, appears to link the Anglican and Roman Catholic cathedrals. Viewed from the city this new public building makes a defining landmark on the waterfront with its extensive public piazza in front. The distinctive curved roofs will make a major impact on the skyline and will appear to float on a crystalline base of glazing which will glow at night.

Client:

Liverpool City Council

Location:

Kings Dock, Liverpool

UK

Contract Value:

£168m

Completion:

2008

Designed by:

Sport Concepts

Project Architect

Robert Albanes

Structural Engineer:

Halcrow Yolles

Mechanical Engineer:

ARUP

Electrical Engineer:

ARUP

Project Management:

MacKenzie

Cost Advise:

Franklin & Andrews

Role / involvement:

Full Services including Detail Design, Coordination and site supervision

Arena Project Architect

Robert Albanes

Designed by:

Wilkinson Eyre & Sport Concepts

Contractor:

Bovis Lend Lease

Project Management:

Davis Langdon

Structural Engineer:

Buro Happold

Mechanical Engineer:

Faber Maunsell

Electrical Engineer:

Faber Maunsell

Lighting Design:

Spiers & Major

Role / involvement:

Stage D, Detail Design to Completion. Site Senior Project Architect to Arena

Use:

11,000 seat multi purpose arena, 1,500 seat auditorium & 8,000 sq metre Multi Purpose exhibition hall