Mersey observatory winner's delight at being chosen

Mar 18 2008

THE architect at the head of the company behind the winning design for the Mersey Observatory on Crosby Beach has spoken of the firm’s delight at being picked.

The Daily Post revealed yesterday that London firm Duggan Morris had been chosen as the favourite of the shortlist of five by both a judging panel and the public.

Their vase-shaped design – inspired by the still life paintings of Vincent Van Gogh – will replace the redundant radar tower which stands between Antony Gormley’s Another Place sculpture and Seaforth Docks.

Duggan Morris was formed in 2004 and now has 13 staff. It has been described as a “blossoming practice” by architectural experts.

Joe Morris said it was vital the firm had a constant presence in Liverpool throughout the project, possibly setting up a satellite office here if necessary.

Their £11.6m plan contains a viewing platform for around 200 people, a cafe and educational facilities in the tower itself and a smaller additional building. At 50m in height, it will be more than twice the size of the existing tower, which comes in at 18m.

Joe Morris said: “We’ve had a number of celebrations since we found out, I can assure you. I first visited in October last year and I thought it was just stunning. We instantly thought this is amazing – we have to do this.”

He explained the concept as “the idea of a Van Gogh still life, with Crosby beach as the table top and elements like the observatory and the smaller building almost like that of a vase or bowl”.

“We wanted to do something enigmatic, as there are so many ways a project like this can turn out wrong. It is a mind-boggling location, almost surreal. I can’t think of a site where you get such a backdrop where everything around is so different – you can see the wildlife reserve, the Pier Head, the cathedrals, Waterloo.

“It is about making it a local landmark and I hope local people engage with it and relate to it – and I think people do get it. We were very conscious about building something which will, in time, have its own nickname. The idea of ‘the vase’ is something that seems to be sticking.

“It really has to be about working with local organisations, communities and people.”

Before becoming director of his own practice, Mr Morris had previously been involved in the early stages of the Paradise Street development and said he was eager to see how the scheme was getting on.

Louise Goodman, project manager for the Mersey Observatory, said: “I’m delighted at the design that has been chosen and now I’m excited about us taking it forward, to look at a more detailed plan and work on securing funding and planning permission.

“I’m absolutely delighted that the scheme the jury panel chose was also the one the public chose.

“We really hope this building will become part of the fabric of this part of the world, much like the Antony Gormley statues.”