Peel, the developers behind the £10 billion Liverpool Waters and Wirral Waters schemes today announced that they are planning to build the North West’s tallest building fronting the River Mersey with the development of a landmark 60 storey tower that will be built in Liverpool’s Princes Half Tide Dock.

The Liverpool and Wirral waterfront developments are one of the biggest regeneration schemes in the U.K. and Peel’s vision will see both these waterfronts developed to rival cities such as Dubai, Vancouver, New York and Shanghai.

This iconic tower will be designed by one of four world class architects who will be selected following a competition to ensure the structure acts as a catalyst for the regeneration of Liverpool Waters, North Shore and beyond as well as creating a unique opportunity for the people of Liverpool.

Surrounded by water, the location of the tower presents exciting challenges for the architects who have massive scope for innovative design, something

befitting for such a wonderful world recognised location is required. The designs will be unveiled to the public later this year, before a final concept is chosen. The selected architects are – AFL, Broadway Malyan, Chapman Taylor and Benoy.

The tower will be named “Shanghai Tower” following an inspirational visit to this great Chinese City by Peel’s Development Director Lindsey Ashworth, and Chairman John Whittaker.

Liverpool has many links with China including boasting the oldest Chinese community in Europe. Twinned with Shanghai, and inspired by the bustling waterfront that combines modern skyscrapers with historic buildings, it is envisaged that Shanghai Tower will further strengthen Liverpool’s link with China as well as bringing a huge boost to the Liverpool economy.

The Liverpool Shanghai Partnership said, “This iconic building will place the Liverpool-Shanghai bilateral relations on a level commensurate with the greatness of the two cities. The Liverpool Shanghai Partnership (LSP) is delighted with this outcome from the visit. It is a great success. The Shanghai government have told us they are impressed with these plans and it will result in massive interest from big Chinese companies in using Liverpool as a gateway to the UK and Europe.”

The North West’s tallest tower and the tallest outside of London, will bring Liverpool its first 5 star hotel as part of a massive 93,000 square metres of mixed use floor space, that’s 1 million square feet of development. Along with the hotel, that will be operated by one of the World’s biggest and prestigious names in luxury accommodation, the tower will have high quality office space and beautiful apartments that will offer some of the best views in the Country. Bars, restaurants and many other leisure facilities will also be included to provide something for everybody. Featuring the very latest in architectural design, Shanghai Tower will also boast a heli-pad on the roof of the building and underwater basement car parking.

Mark Basnett, Operations Director at economic development and inward investment agency The Mersey Partnership (TMP), took part in the recent trade mission to Shanghai. He said, “Plans for the Shanghai Tower reinforce Liverpool’s reputation as a truly world-class city, whose waterfront is being transformed by major new investments and developments.

“China has one of the world’s fastest growing economies, and the naming of this iconic building will reinforce the continued business and cultural links between Shanghai and our own fast growing city.”

The tower which will be on the Liverpool Waterfront will be an investment in excess of £300 million and will transform the future of the skyline of the City. Well designed and planned tall buildings can make positive contributions to city life and Shanghai Tower will be a magnificent iconic structure that will make a statement about the city’s ambitions and it’s regeneration plans.

Councillor Warren Bradley, City Council Leader, said: “The scale of this scheme shows how Liverpool is now regarded by developers as a city whose ambition knows no bounds. It demonstrates a confidence in the city and is the type of development Liverpool needs to establish its place as an international city.

“It is potentially one of the most exciting schemes in Europe and could further enhance our waterfront. The decision to set the bar high on quality design is important and I welcome the decision by Peel to launch this design competition.

"We are a city which has always looked outwards and sought inspiration from other cities. This proposal reflects the 21st century skyline of Shanghai in a way that will mirror its new and dramatic architecture among the buildings of the Bund which themselves pay homage to our own Three Graces.

“However, this scheme is still at its early stages and I must point out that it will still be subject to the normal planning procedures.”

Peel are in discussions with Liverpool City Council about the impact Shanghai Tower will have on the City and are receiving guidance prior to a planning application being submitted.