List of tallest buildings and structures in Liverpool
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This list of the tallest buildings and structures in Liverpool ranks high-rise structures in Liverpool, England, by height (buildings in the wider Liverpool Urban Area are listed separately within the article). The tallest building in Liverpool is currently the 40-storey West Tower, which rises 140 metres (459 ft) on Liverpool's waterfront. It is also the tallest habitable building in the United Kingdom outside of London, Birmingham and Manchester.[1] Liverpool is a city undergoing mass regeneration, with older buildings being demolished to make way for new developments. During the mid-2000s, ten 1960s apartment blocks over 50 metres (164 ft) tall in the city were demolished.[2]
The history of tall buildings and structures in Liverpool began in 1911, with the completion of the Royal Liver Building. Standing at 98 metres (322 ft) tall,[3] it was widely reported to be Britain's first skyscraper.[4] This period marked the pinnacle of Liverpool's economic success, when it regarded itself as the "second city" of the British Empire.[5][6] In 1965, its 54-year reign as the tallest building in Liverpool came to an end with the completion of the Radio City Tower. At 138 metres (453 ft), it originally housed a revolving restaurant and then, since 2000, a radio station.[7] In 2008, the Radio City Tower was topped by Beetham Organization's West Tower.[8]
A masterplan, envisioned by Peel Holdings, to redevelop Liverpool's north docks, named Liverpool Waters, was launched in 2006 and received Government backing in 2013; it includes proposals for multiple high-rise buildings that will considerably change the city's skyline over the next few decades.[9] The first building of the project began construction in 2018.[10]
By far the tallest building ever envisaged for Liverpool was Otterspool Tower at 305 metres (1,001 ft) and 79 storeys.[11] However, the 1998 proposal was never built. Other 50+ storey high designs that never materialised include the 2007 proposals of Shanghai Tower at 200 metres (656 ft)[12] and King Edward Tower at 170 metres (558 ft) tall,[13] Brunswick Quay at 166 metres (545 ft), proposed in 2005,[14] and the original 1925 design for Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral at 158 metres (518 ft).[15]
Tallest completed buildings and structures
This list ranks completed buildings and structures in Liverpool that are at least 49 m (160 ft) tall; under construction, proposed and cancelled buildings are excluded. Generic structures such as transmitters or wind turbines are also omitted.
Note this list is not comprehensive, as the heights of a number of candidate structures are unknown. Only those with known heights are included.
An equal sign (=) following a rank indicates the same height between two or more buildings. Heights are rounded to the nearest whole metre. The "Year" column refers to the year when the building reached its current height; generally this is the year of construction but for some the height was reached following alterations and additions to the existing structure.
| Rank | Name (alternative names) | Image | Height | Floors | Year | Coordinates | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Tower (Beetham West Tower) |  | 140 m | 460 ft | 40 | 2008 | 53°24′36″N 2°59′48″W | [8] |
| 2 | Radio City Tower (St. John's Beacon, St. John's Tower) |  | 138 m | 453 ft | N/A | 1965 | 53°24′23″N 2°58′55″W | [16] |
| 3 | The Lexington |  | 113 m | 371 ft | 35 | 2021 | 53°24′36″N 2°59′55″W | [17] |
| 4 | Lighthaus | 108 m | 354 ft | 31 | 2025 | 53°24′38″N 2°59′55″W | [18] | |
| 5 | Liverpool Cathedral (Cathedral Church of Christ in Liverpool, Anglican Cathedral) |  | 101 m | 331 ft | N/A | 1978 | 53°23′51″N 2°58′23″W | [19] |
| 6 | Royal Liver Building (The Liver Building, Royal Liver Assurance) |  | 98 m | 322 ft | 13 | 1911 | 53°24′21″N 2°59′45″W | [20] |
| 7 | Beetham Tower |  | 90 m | 300 ft | 27 | 2004 | 53°24′36″N 2°59′49″W | [21] |
| 8 | Alexandra Tower |  | 88 m | 289 ft | 27 | 2008 | 53°24′23″N 2°59′50″W | [22] |
| 9 | Unity Residential |  | 86 m | 282 ft | 27 | 2007 | 53°24′27″N 2°59′42″W | [23] |
| 10 | Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral (Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King) |  | 85 m | 279 ft | N/A | 1967 | 53°24′17″N 2°58′04″W | [24][25] |
| 11 | X1 The Tower |  | 77 m | 253 ft | 25 | 2018 | 53°23′37″N 2°58′57″W | [26] |
| 12 | New Hall Place (The Capital, Royal & SunAlliance Building, The Sandcastle) |  | 76 m | 249 ft | 13 | 1974 | 53°24′33″N 2°59′41″W | [27] |
| 13 | Metropolitan House (City Tower, Post & Echo Building) |  | 73 m | 240 ft | 18 | 1974 | 53°24′34″N 2°59′40″W | [28] |
| 14= | 1 Princes Dock |  | 68 m | 223 ft | 22 | 2006 | 53°24′39″N 2°59′58″W | [29] |
| 14= | Municipal Buildings |  | 68 m | 223 ft | 3 | 1868 | 53°24′30″N 2°59′10″W | [30] |
| 16= | Royal Liverpool University Hospital Boiler House | .jpg) | 67 m | 220 ft | N/A | 1978 | 53°24′37″N 2°57′48″W | [31] |
| 16= | Port of Liverpool Building (MDHB Building, Dock Office) |  | 67 m | 220 ft | 7 | 1907 | 53°24′15″N 2°59′41″W | [32] |
| 18= | The Spine |  | 65 m | 213 ft | 14 | 2021 | 53°24′24″N 2°57′39″W | [33][34] |
| 18= | Horizon Heights (UNITE Students – Horizon Heights) |  | 65 m | 213 ft | 21 | 2019 | 53°24′24″N 2°58′41″W | [35][36] |
| 18= | Unity Commercial | .JPG) | 65 m | 213 ft | 16 | 2007 | 53°24′27″N 2°59′42″W | [37] |
| 18= | The Plaza (Sir John Moores Building) |  | 65 m | 213 ft | 18 | 1965 | 53°24′39″N 2°59′41″W | [38] |
| 22 | Welsh Presbyterian Church (Toxteth Cathedral) |  | 61 m | 200 ft | N/A | 1867 | 53°23′38″N 2°57′50″W | [39] |
| 23= | Wheel of Liverpool Ferris wheel |  | 60 m | 200 ft | N/A | 2009 | 53°23′54″N 2°59′26″W | [40] |
| 23= | George's Dock Ventilation Building for Queensway Tunnel |  | 60 m | 200 ft | 6 | 1934 | 53°24′17″N 2°59′38″W | [41] |
| 23= | North John Street Ventilation Station |  | 60 m | 200 ft | N/A | 1935 | 53°24′25″N 2°59′22″W | [42] |
| 26 | Novotel Paddington Village |  | 59 m | 194 ft | 17 | 2022 | 53°24′25″N 2°59′22″W | [43][44] |
| 27 | Queen Elizabeth II Law Courts (Liverpool Crown Court) |  | 58 m | 190 ft | 9 | 1984 | 53°24′16″N 2°59′23″W | [45] |
| 28 | Silkhouse Court | .JPG) | 56 m | 184 ft | 15 | 1970 | 53°24′31″N 2°59′30″W | [46][47] |
| 29= | Mann Island Building 3 |  | 53 m | 174 ft | 13 | 2011 | 53°24′14″N 2°59′35″W | [48] |
| 29= | Victoria Building (Victoria Gallery & Museum) |  | 53 m | 174 ft | 3 | 1892 | 53°24′22″N 2°58′00″W | [49] |
| 29= | Church of Our Lady and St. Nicholas (Liverpool Parish Church, the Sailors' Church, Landmark Tower) |  | 53 m | 174 ft | N/A | 1815 | 53°24′25″N 2°59′41″W | [50] |
| 29= | Anfield |  | 52 m | 171 ft | N/A | 2016 | 53°25′51″N 2°57′39″W | [51] |
| 29= | One Park West Block B |  | 52 m | 171 ft | 17 | 2009 | 53°24′11″N 2°59′23″W | [52] |
| 29= | Bankfield Grain Silo (S & B Herba Foods Regent Mill) | _(geograph_5066375).jpg) | 52 m | 171 ft | N/A | 1950s | 53°26′12″N 2°59′51″W | [53][54] |
| 35 | Plaza 1821 |  | 51 m | 167 ft | 15 | 2020 | 53°24′38″N 2°59′57″W | [55][56] |
| 36 | The Copper House (21 Strand Street) |  | 50 m | 160 ft | 16 | 2021 | 53°24′13″N 2°59′27″W | [57][58] |
| 37= | One Park West Block A |  | 49 m | 161 ft | 15 | 2009 | 53°24′11″N 2°59′25″W | [59] |
| 37= | Heysmoor Heights |  | 49 m | 161 ft | 17 | 2007 | 53°23′22″N 2°57′01″W | [60] |
| 37= | Kingsway Tunnel Ventilation Station (Victoria Ventilation Station) |  | 49 m | 161 ft | N/A | 1971 | 53°24′55″N 2°59′57″W | [61] |
| 37= | India Buildings | .jpg) | 49 m | 161 ft | 11 | 1933 | 53°24′22″N 2°59′33″W | [62] |
| 41= | Wellington Buildings |  | 49 m | 161 ft | 12 | 1925 | 53°24′21″N 2°59′37″W | [63][64] |
| 41= | Royal Insurance Building (Aloft Hotel Liverpool) |  | 49 m | 161 ft | 4 | 1903 | 53°24′27″N 2°59′21″W | [65][66] |
| 41= | Cains Brewery Building | .jpg) | 49 m | 161 ft | 5 | 1902 | 53°23′37″N 2°58′42″W | [67][68] |
| 41= | St. Mary's Church |  | 49 m | 161 ft | N/A | 1856 | 53°26′00″N 2°54′31″W | [69] |
| 41= | Church of Saint Francis Xavier |  | 49 m | 161 ft | N/A | 1848 | 53°24′48″N 2°58′11″W | [70] |
Tallest by type
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- Air traffic control tower: Liverpool John Lennon Airport Control Tower – 43 m (141 ft)[71]
- Chimney stack: Royal Liverpool University Hospital Boiler House – 67 m (220 ft)
- Church spire: Welsh Presbyterian Church – 61 m (200 ft)
- Commercial building: Royal Liver Building – 98 m (322 ft)
- Ferris wheel: Wheel of Liverpool – 60 m (200 ft)
- Government building: Queen Elizabeth II Law Courts – 58 m (190 ft)
- Hospital: Royal Liverpool University Hospital – 47 m (154 ft)[72]
- Hotel: Meliã Hotel Liverpool (Metropolitan House; repurposed) – 73 m (240 ft)
- Industrial building: Bankfield Grain Silo – 52 m (171 ft)
- Monument: Wellington's Column – 40 m (130 ft)[73]
- Museum / gallery: Victoria Gallery & Museum – 53 m (174 ft)
- Power station: Port of Liverpool wind farm (Canada Dock & Huskisson Dock turbines) – 125 m (410 ft)[74]
- Radio mast: Radio City Tower – 125 m (410 ft)
- Religious building: Liverpool Cathedral – 101 m (331 ft)
- Residential building: West Tower – 140 m (460 ft)
- Stadium: Anfield – 52 m (171 ft)
- University building: James Parsons Building – 47 m (154 ft)[75]
- Ventilation shaft: George's Dock & North John Street Ventilation Stations – 60 m (200 ft)
- Water tower: Everton water tower (decommissioned) – 26 m (85 ft)[76]
Tallest under construction, approved and proposed
Below are sub-sections for the tallest under construction, approved and proposed buildings and structures in Liverpool. Cancelled projects are not included.
Height figures are rounded to the nearest metre.
Under construction
This lists buildings that are under construction in Liverpool (over 49 m).
Approved
This lists buildings that have been approved for, but are yet to start, construction in Liverpool (over 49 m).
| Name | Height | Floors | Construction begins (est.) |
Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No.1 King's | 92 m | 303 ft | 28 | 2026 | |
| Ovatus 1 | 87 m | 285 ft | 27 | Stalled. | [82][83] |
| Norton Point – Block A | 77 m | 253 ft | 27 | Stalled. | [84][85] |
| The Tannery – Tower B | 62 m | 203 ft | 19 | Stalled. | [86][87] |
| Great George Street – Block 3C | 57 m | 187 ft | 18 | — | [88][89] |
| Norton Point – Block B | 53 m | 174 ft | 14 | Stalled. | [85] |
| Norton Point – Block C | 53 m | 174 ft | 14 | Stalled. | [85] |
Liverpool Waters
Liverpool Waters is a large scale, £5.5bn regeneration project of the Vauxhall dockland areas of Liverpool that is currently under development by The Peel Group. A thirty year long project, the development is expected to create 21.5 million sq ft of new commercial and residential floor space and will consist of upwards of seventy buildings, with many classed as high-rise.[90][91]
The project was revealed publicly in 2007.[92] The plans, submitted to Liverpool City Council in 2010,[93] were approved in 2012; approval was reaffirmed by the UK Government in 2013.[94] Construction of the very first building of the scheme eventually commenced five years later in 2018;[10] completion of the entire project is currently slated for 2041.[95]
The original proposal included a large array of skyscrapers, compared with the likes of New York and Shanghai.[92][96] However, due to concerns from, primarily, Historic England and UNESCO, regarding the impact of tall buildings to Liverpool's World Heritage Status, the plans have been revised multiple times, resulting in building heights vastly scaled down.[96][97][98][99] Extensive redesigns notwithstanding, the current version of the master-plan still includes several plots of the site reserved for notable high-rises set to transform Liverpool's skyline in the next couple of decades.
Plots poised to be populated by a structure over 100 metres are listed in the table below: (Note the below heights do not refer to that of a currently proposed building. They are the maximum permitted height for any future building designed for that plot, as agreed with planning officers.)[91]
| Plot | Height | Year (latest) |
Realised as... | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| --- | 231 m | 758 ft | --- | --- |
| B–04 | 174 m | 571 ft | 2029 | TBA |
| B–05 | 170 m | 560 ft | 2029 | TBA |
| B–01 | 147 m | 482 ft | 2029 | TBA |
| C–07 (a) | 141 m | 463 ft | 2036 | TBA |
| C–11 | 119 m | 390 ft | 2036 | TBA |
| C–07 (b) | 117 m | 384 ft | 2036 | TBA |
| A–04 | 113 m | 371 ft | 2024 | ■ The Lexington (113m; 2021) |
| C–10 | 109 m | 358 ft | 2036 | TBA |
| A–06 | 100 m | 330 ft | 2024 | ■ Patagonia Place (95m; 202x) |
| Key: | ■ | Completed / | ■ | Under construction / | ■ | Approved / | ■ | Proposed |
Timeline of tallest buildings and structures
Liverpool's skyline has been built up mostly in the last 20 years. The Royal Liver Building held the title of tallest structure in Liverpool for 54 years until Radio City Tower was completed in 1965. Radio City Tower was finally beaten in 2008 by West Tower.
| Period tallest | Name | Image | Height | Floors | Coordinates | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1815–1867 | Church of Our Lady and St. Nicholas | .jpg) | 53 m | 174 ft | N/A | 53°24′25″N 2°59′41″W | [100] |
| 1867–1868 | Welsh Presbyterian Church | .JPG) | 61 m | 200 ft | N/A | 53°23′38″N 2°57′50″W | [101] |
| 1868–1911 | Municipal Buildings | .jpg) | 68 m | 223 ft | 3 | 53°24′30″N 2°59′10″W | [30] |
| 1911–1965 | Royal Liver Building |  | 98 m | 322 ft | 13 | 53°24′21″N 2°59′45″W | [20] |
| 1965–2008 | Radio City Tower |  | 125 m | 410 ft | N/A | 53°24′23″N 2°58′55″W | [16] |
| 2008–present | West Tower |  | 134 m | 440 ft | 40 | 53°24′36″N 2°59′48″W | [8] |
Tallest buildings in the Liverpool Urban Area
The list below contains the tallest buildings in the Liverpool Urban Area and the Wirral. This term is used by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) to denote the urban area around Liverpool.[102] Structures are not included in the below list although the tallest free-standing structures are the multiple ship-to-shore cranes of the Liverpool2 container port in Seaforth which measure 92m in height and 132m when raised.
| Rank | Name | Area | Height | Floors | Year | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| m | ft | ||||||
| 1 | The Triad | Bootle | 89 | 292 | 23 | 1974 | [103] |
| 2 | Strand House | Bootle | 62 | 203 | 22 | 1968 | [104] |
| 3= | The Cliff 1 | Wallasey | 52 | 171 | 17 | 1962 | [105] |
| 3= | The Cliff 2 | Wallasey | 52 | 171 | 17 | 1962 | [106] |
| 5 | Stella Nova | Bootle | 51 | 167 | 15 | 2009 | [107] |
| 6= | Salisbury House | Bootle | 49 | 161 | 15 | 1968 | [108] |
| 6= | Daniel House | Bootle | 49 | 161 | 15 | [109] | |
| 8= | St Martins House | Bootle | 46 | 151 | 13 | [110] | |
| 8= | Oxford House | Bootle | 46 | 151 | 16 | 1968 | [111] |
| 8= | Stanley House | Bootle | 46 | 151 | 16 | 1968 | [112] |
| 8= | Mersey House | Bootle | 46 | 151 | 16 | 1968 | [113] |
| 8= | Irlam House | Bootle | 46 | 151 | 16 | 1968 | [114] |
| 8= | Alexander House | Seaforth | 46 | 151 | 18 | [115] | |
| 8= | Willow House | Seaforth | 46 | 151 | 15 | [116] | |
| 8= | Dean House | Waterloo | 46 | 151 | 15 | ||
| 8= | Chapel House | Waterloo | 46 | 151 | 15 | ||
| 8= | Vine House | Seaforth | 46 | 151 | 15 | [117] | |
Gallery
Liverpool city centre in late-2008 viewed from Liverpool Cathedral; the financial district and historic waterfront can be seen to the left, whilst the most prominent structure to the right is St. John's Beacon
Liverpool's historic cityscape viewed from across the Mersey
Liverpool's ever changing skyline can be seen most obviously in the city's new financial district
