A prominent Liverpool architect has designed the city’s very own version of The Statue of Liberty.
‘Homecoming’ – The Statue of Liverpool, is a stunning new 23 storey building, perched in a five storey nest, and 100 metres in diameter is being planned to sit upon the River Mersey in the city centre.
David Backhouse, who designed the award-winning Cavern Walks and the Cavern Club in Liverpool, as well as The Gardens in Manchester has now turned his expertise into giving Liverpool that one, stand-out building that sets it apart from the rest of the world.
Homecoming – The Statue of Liverpool takes the form of the iconic Liver Bird, standing 100 meters tall and nesting at the entrance to Liverpool in the River Mersey. It will be fully self-sustainable with zero energy costs as power will be provided through wind turbines within the ‘wings’ of the structure and tidal turbines underneath the ‘nest’. The golden green bird will also be covered in diamond shaped photovoltaic cells converting solar power into energy.
The spacious building houses an atrium on every floor and can accommodate will a huge variety of activities, ranging from a luxury hotel and apartment complexs to specialised shopping outlets and creative spaces. A split-level restaurant will be located behind the Liver Birds eyes, offering a panoramic view of Liverpool, similar to that of the Statue of Liberty in New York or the Oriental Peal Tower in Shanghai. Numerous leisure activities including a Genealogy museum linked to New York’s Ellis Island are also planned.
Liverpool has always been synonymous with creativity and talent and the Homecoming will continue that trend, offering specialised zones where IT start-ups, entrepreneurs or charitable sector organisations will come together, fostering innovation and development.
Architect David Backhouse says “This is the culmination of an idea we had nearly 30 years ago now. The concept has never been far from my thoughts throughout my years of working on many prestigious Liverpool-based projects. I’m so pleased now to finally present the idea to both the city, and the world!” His team believe that the project will become another great Liverpool landmark and a huge tourist attraction, set just downstream from the world famous ‘Three Graces’.
They have consulted tidal experts and engineers – whilst also being advised by local experienced river pilot John Curry – on the positioning of the island. Design team members Peter Foo and Gary Morris said they wanted to help create something for the city that will be a source of pride ‘not only for residents, but Scousers all over the world. It will symbolise the tradition of the city but more importantly the essence of the new Liverpool in the 21st Century, exciting and self-sustaining’.
David Backhouse and the design team are actively seeking investors to help bring this potentially outstanding Liverpool Landmark to fruition. A portfolio of stunning images of the proposed structure is available online at www.thehomecoming.co.uk
