Interesting and well-mannered addition to the pier head complex
Broadway Malyan for Countryside Neptune LLP
GIA: 46,666m²
Contract value: £93m
Mann Island sits alongside Liverpool’s famous three graces. Notwithstanding such a risk, the developer, Countryside/Neptune, and Broadway Malyan set out to develop the southern gap site of Mann Island in the teeth of a depression which littered the North West with unsold apartments and empty offices. The fact that now the buildings are occupied, the complex has hosted several exhibitions, is home to the vast Merseytravel organisation and provided the hub for Liverpool’s 2014 ‘International Festival for Business’ indicates a considerable measure of success.
The angular form and disposition of these abstract shiny black buildings has been likened to everything from ‘rocks which have fallen from the sky’ through to inappropriate neighbours to the three graces or (as viewed from the River Mersey), well-mannered and scaled additions to an iconic skyline. With its neighbours it forms an interesting and well-mannered addition to the pier head complex itself, which is most apparent from the Mersey. The quality of cladding and detail in this very exposed environment should ensure longevity and performance in keeping with the existing pier head.
See other winners in the RIBA Regional Awards 2015 – North West