The Building
The Trust initiated an open architecture competition advertised in OJEU (Open Journal of the European Union) and gathered together a judging panel of 10 key stake holders:
- Roger Stephenson OBE, Stephenson-Bell Architecture Practice (Chair of judges)
- Jonathan Falkingham, Chief Executive and Co-Founder, Urban Splash, Trustee of Royal Court Liverpool Trust
- Mark Price, Planning and Architecture Adviser, The Theatres Trust
- Bryan Gray, Chairman, North West Development Agency
- Henry Owen-John, Planning & Development Director, English Heritage
- Councillor Flo Clucas, Deputy Leader, Liverpool City Council
- Jenny Douglas, Planning Director, Liverpool Vision
- Kevin Fearon, Chief Executive, Royal Court operating company
- Catherine Jones, Arts Editor, Liverpool Echo
- Her Honour Elizabeth Steel DL, Chairman, Royal Court Liverpool Trust
From an impressive long list of 52 practices from all over the world including several from Liverpool, seven companies were shortlisted. These practices then worked up their ideas further and each scheme was displayed in the RIBA Architruck on St George’s Plateau for the public to view and give their opinion. 900 people visited the exhibition over a 15 day period.
The Winner: Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM) – a large practice based in London were picked as the winner after a long interview process. The team led by Liverpool born and bred, Paul Monaghan know the city well having recently completed the iconic Unity building in Liverpool’s commercial district.
Their proposal centres on addressing key issues of:
- Improving public amenities (toilets, bars, seating)
- Making the building DDA compliant and installing lifts to circle and balcony areas
- Modernising the entrance to the building and improving circulation around the building for the public
- Improving signage and introducing modern marketing tools for shows
- Revealing magnificent art deco features throughout the building
The judges felt that the winning scheme achieved their aspirations for the building and would inspire stakeholders and funders. The scheme celebrates the fantastic art deco charm of the building while suggesting a radical modern intervention which will help the building to serve the needs of today’s audiences. Allford Hall Monaghan Morris are a multi-award winning practice with vast experience in the renovation of cultural buildings such as The Barbican Centre in London and the new Saatchi Gallery.
