HERITAGE and commercialism went head-to-head as architects looked at ways of creating a modern and attractive entrance to the Royal Liver Buildings.

The Grade I listed building has always been a working office but is world-famous as an iconic landmark on the citys waterfront.

Roy Alexander, director of architecture at property consultancy Acies, has overseen the first phase of the £5m refurbishment and he is aware of the scale of the task he took on.

The Royal Liver Building is one of the world-famous Three Graces, along with the Cunard and Port of Liverpool buildings, and stands with the fabled liver birds nested on top.

Its fair to say it is the most significant change to the building in its 100 years it has been in existence, said Mr Alexander.

The real issue of the building was to attract tenants to the Royal Liver Building and to sustain a number of the existing tenants.

The building had to present more of a commercial opportunity, particularly professional companies who wanted to be in Liverpools iconic building.

He turned to the buildings architect, Birkenhead-born Aubrey Thomas, for inspiration. Mr Thomas was a commercial architect who designed the building more than 100 years ago as a new head office for Royal Liver, the Liverpool mutual which still owns it. Mr Alexander said: We tried to put his hat on and think what would he have used? What would he do with the materials and technology that are around today?

If Aubrey Thomas was around I think we would get a pat on the back.