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• Level of Award:

  Special Award

• Region:

  North West

• Local Authority Area:

  Liverpool

• Owner:

  Arena and Convention Centre Liverpool

• Entrant:

  Wilkinson Eyre Architects

• Architect:

  Wilkinson Eyre Architects

• Developer:

  Liverpool Vision

• Landscape Designer:

  Gustafson Porter

• Services Engineer:

  Faber Maunsell

• Structural Engineer:

  Buro Happold

• Contractor:

  Bovis Lend Lease

• Inclusive Design Consultant:

  Buro Happold

• Primary Use Class:

  D2a Arena
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Information about this winner

The scheme on Liverpool’s regenerated King’s waterfront provides a multipurpose arena, conference centre, exhibition space, hotels and public space. Through its scale, the architecture reinforces the setting of its illustrious neighbours – the famous There Graces and Hartley’s Albert Dock. The building was actually sunk into the redundant King’s Dock to minimize its impact on the skyline and maintain views from the river Mersey of the city’s famous Anglican and Catholic cathedrals. The two forms of the arena and convention centre are joined by a light and airy atrium, which cleverly reduces the bulk of the structure.  At ground level, the scheme is filled with natural light, and at night the upper levels appear to float above their base. The cladding is artistic and inventive, with generous and well detailed external spaces. Internal space is very flexible, with the ability to quickly split the main auditorium into three smaller spaces. The scheme is well linked to the city centre, which is unusual for many convention centres. It has created a real focal point for regeneration, with visitors to the venue using restaurants, bars and facilities at the neighbouring Albert Dock, as well as in the newly re-energised city centre.