Observatory project aims to shape estuary’s future

Feb 12 2008 by Vicky Anderson, Liverpool Daily Post

DRAMATIC designs for the proposed Mersey Observatory have gone on display across the region so the public can have their say on what should be built.

The existing radar tower near Crosby beach will be demolished in the summer, and the observatory will be its £11.6m replacement.

Five architects were short-listed last December – with the brief stipulating the new tower must measure at least 30m, have a viewing platform for around 200 people, a cafe and educational facilities – and since then they have been developing more detailed presentations of their ideas.

Those in the running range from a startlingly elegant V-shaped structure with a suspended viewing pod cantilevered out over the Mersey, to a wedge-shaped building extending out over the river that is inspired by a pier.

The other designs call for a tower shaped like a table lamp, a weathered steel tower topped by a transparent viewing platform inspired by a lighthouse, and a dramatic structure with high “piers” over the river.

These will go on public display at Crosby library, Liverpool Renew Rooms on Wood Street, and Seacombe ferry terminal, from today until February 28.

Members of the public will be encouraged to leave comments on the designs and there will be an open forum at each of the venues when the public can meet representatives of the judging panel to make comments and ask questions.

All comments will be taken into consideration when a winner is chosen in March.

Ian Hamilton Fazey, chairman of the Waterloo Residents' Association, said: “We have five very interesting and very different designs. Whichever is chosen will dominate the entrance to the Mersey from Liverpool Bay for many decades. It will be a prominent feature from Formby to Ellesmere Port and will have an enormous visual impact.

“We will have to live with it for much of our lives. We don't want people moaning that no one gave them a say in what this important structure should look like. This is the opportunity for everyone to let the jury know what they think face-to-face and make their voices heard in the debate.”

The five entries were selected anonymously from a field of 92 from architects from as far afield as New York, Finland, Spain, Italy, Greece, Germany, Austria, China and Denmark, as well as the UK and Ireland.

The shortlisted firms are Duggan Morris, Farrel and Clark, Ellis Williams, Studio 8, and Phos.

vickyanderson@dailypost.co.uk