Liverpool ONE
- Location
- Liverpool, UK
- Client
- Grosvenor
- Expertise
- Architecture
- Landscape Architecture
- Lighting
- Urban Design
- Completion
- 2008
- Size
- 42 Acres
- Cost
- £1 Bn
Liverpool ONE is a remarkable example of retail regeneration, transforming a 42-acre area at the heart of Liverpool’s city centre into a vibrant and thriving destination.
Masterplanned by BDP, this ambitious mixed-use development brought together new and refurbished buildings, streets, and public spaces to breathe new life into the city. Liverpool ONE features a mix of retail, leisure, and residential spaces, including more than 148,000 sq m of retail area, a wide variety of bars and restaurants, and entertainment options like a 14-screen cinema. In addition to 600 apartments, the development also includes two hotels, BBC studios, and a redesigned park that adds much-needed green space to the area. Chavasse Park is a focal point of the project, offering a peaceful retreat in the midst of this bustling urban environment.
Our team served as concept architect for five buildings and executive architect for nine, working alongside many talented architects to create this unique urban quarter. BDP’s landscape architects designed every aspect of the public spaces, and our lighting team enhanced the ambience throughout the scheme. This collective effort resulted in a cohesive yet diverse cityscape that integrates with the existing city structure. The Stirling Prize judges recognised Liverpool ONE for its exceptional contribution to Liverpool’s regeneration. They described it as a project that has “reversed the fortunes of the city” and brought “new social and economic vibrancy” to what was once a 42-acre area of derelict, historic buildings. The project successfully connects the city centre with the docks, creating a seamless transition between Liverpool’s urban and waterfront areas.
“Liverpool ONE is a phenomenal asset for our city. Its design didn’t just reshape our city centre, it reimagined it. Its offer didn’t just reinvigorate our retail offer, it reinvented it. Its appeal didn’t just stay within the city, it reached out across the UK and beyond. In many ways Liverpool ONE redefined this city’s potential. It realised a new city centre where our amazing waterfront no longer felt disconnected."
One of the most significant challenges was ensuring that Liverpool ONE harmonised with surrounding districts, such as the Ropewalks and the iconic Liverpool waterfront. By respecting the unique character of each area, Liverpool ONE has revitalised the city while preserving its distinct identity. More than 20 architects collaborated on nearly 40 buildings within the scheme, underscoring the project’s collaborative spirit and its commitment to design quality. Since opening in 2008, Liverpool ONE has attracted millions of visitors, generated thousands of jobs, and significantly boosted the local economy. This development has transformed Liverpool’s city centre into a destination that reflects the city’s rich history and cultural vibrancy, giving Liverpool a new heart that locals and visitors alike enjoy.
The design connects the city centre to Liverpool’s waterfront, making it one of the UK’s most famous visitor destinations. Building on two decades of development, Liverpool City Council has partnered with BDP to create an ambitious 25-year masterplan that will help shape this iconic area’s future. The new masterplan looks to address social challenges, aiming for a more inclusive waterfront that brings lasting benefits to the surrounding communities. The project will focus on balancing development with sustainability, connectivity, and heritage preservation. This includes rethinking public spaces, improving accessibility, and creating better links between the north and south of the city as well as between the waterfront and nearby neighbourhoods. Sustainability will be a key focus, as Liverpool works towards its goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. Liverpool’s waterfront transformation is a long-term commitment to creating a thriving, connected, and welcoming space that honours its past while paving the way for a sustainable and inclusive future.
"Liverpool ONE has not only redefined Liverpool’s city centre but also serves as a model for transformative regeneration projects across the UK, demonstrating what can be achieved when public and private sectors collaborate to meet the challenges facing our cities."
