BDP’s Stirling effort for Liverpool One
THE masterplan for the Liverpool One retail district is in the running for a prestigious accolade.
In a break with tradition, the masterplan by architects BDP, is a contender for the 2009 RIBA Stirling Prize.
The Stirling Prize shortlist has previously only featured buildings and physical projects considered to be of great architectural significance. It is the first time in the 13-year history of the awards that a plan, rather than a building has been nominated.
Stirling judges said the plan for the 42-acre scheme had “single-handedly reversed the fortunes of the city by bringing a new social and economic vibrancy to what was 42 acres of derelict but historic buildings at its heart.
“The result is a vibrant and economically successful retail, leisure and mixed-use quarter – an entirely revitalised city centre that now connects properly with the Docks.
BDP set down generous public space networks and rigorous yet flexible design briefs and have worked with a broad range of architects to evolve the plan and deliver buildings of a very high quality.”
The site itself consists of 1.4 million sq. feet of retail space, a 14-screen multiplex cinema and 230,000 sq. feet of restaurants, cafes and bars in addition to 600 new apartments, two hotels, offices, a five-acre park and a transport interchange.
BDP’s challenge was how to seamlessly integrate all these features including the harmonious linking of nearly 40 new buildings designed by over 20 different architects.
Terry Davenport, head of BDP’s northern retail team and the man behind the Liverpool One masterplan, said: “Being responsible for the first ever masterplan to make The Stirling Prize shortlist is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the vision, talent and skills of the entire BDP team.
“The fact that the RIBA judges have chosen to put a masterplan on a par with some of the world’s most impressive new buildings also reflects that great architectural design isn’t solely about physical structures.
“Masterplanning takes in a broad range of disciplines and plays a key role in the delivery of sustainable urban regeneration.”
The RIBA Stirling Prize will be announced in London on October 17 and the ceremony will broadcast live on Channel 4.
