When it first opened in 1901, Tobacco Warehouse in Liverpool was the largest warehouse in the world. It’s fallen from glory since then, though. For the last 50 years it has mostly stood on Stanley Dock abandoned and deteriorating, home only to two peregrine falcons nesting on top of it. Still, Save Britain’s Heritage called it ‘one of the most stupendous industrial buildings in Britain’.
Over the past few years Tobacco Warehouse has slowly been brought back to life. A total of £250 million is going towards resuscitating the warehouse with cafes, bars, leisure facilities and 1,500 flats.The first phase of the scheme finished in several years ago and more than 100 of its luxury apartments are already occupied.
Developers have promised to preserve the warehouse’s original design and cultural significance. It’s touted as the city’s ‘next big thing’ and is hoped to bring an al fresco European vibe to the docks.
Engineering firm, Sutcliffe, are the people behind the project. Sean Keyes, its CEO, told the Express: ‘The overriding aim of the project is to maintain this Victorian-era building for future generations. It is an iconic Liverpool heritage landmark, and it sits within the largest and most complete system of historic docks anywhere in the world.’
He added: ‘This part of Liverpool has been undergoing a major transformation after decades of decline. The warehouse was the largest in the world when it was built, and keeping its original structure intact has been essential to our sustainability objectives.’
The project is set to be fully complete by 2028. And don’t worry, the falcons aren’t getting evicted. They’re a protected species, so developers have made sure that they won’t be disturbed.
Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out UK newsletter for the latest UK news and the best stuff happening across the country.