CITY centre shopping and leisure development Liverpool One has been hailed as an example of good design.

The retail complex was highlighted as deserving praise in a new report by RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects)

The authors of “Good design – it all adds up” also singled out the George Street Quarter, in St Helens, as being a worthy example of how well-designed developments can deliver tangible social and economic benefits to those who use and invest in them.

In total, 15 “exemplar buildings” across the country were used as case studies to support RIBA’s findings

Miles Dunnett, head of asset management, Grosvenor Liverpool Fund – the firm behind Liverpool One – said: “Grosvenor is delighted to have received such positive endorsement for Liverpool One from RIBA, an organisation whose reputation and influence is unrivalled.

“While Liverpool One is a commercial success, its significance goes much further.

“Our biggest achievement, and the one of which we are most proud, is the positive impact that Liverpool One has had on the whole city.

“It has re-united different parts of its culture and heritage, created additional employment by reviving the retailing heart of the city, and established a new frame of reference in terms of urban regeneration.”

The project, previously known as The Paradise Project, involved the redevelopment of 42 acres (170,000 m²) of under-utilised land in Liverpool city centre.

Since its opening in May, 2008, it has attracted more than 70m visitors and it is widely perceived to have played an instrumental role in boosting the city’s visitor economy.

RIBA’s report has been published to support anyone considering investing in a construction project and those directly involved in the design and building process.