‘Incredible moment’ for Liverpool as Albert Dock gets Royal approval

Albert Dock Liverpool has received Royal recognition for the role it continues to play in the city’s economy.

The destination attraction, located on Liverpool’s UNESCO World Heritage Waterfront, will change its name today (June 6) to The Royal Albert Dock Liverpool.

Albert Dock requested Royal status as it prepares for a year of celebration in 2021 to mark 175 years since Prince Albert officially opened the complex.

Over the next three years, the Dock will look to cement its position as a heritage asset that needs to be preserved, strengthening its status as a world-class leisure hotspot for future generations.

Mark Blundell, Lord-lieutenant of Merseyside, said: “We recognise the important role Albert Dock has played in the history of this magnificent maritime city, its significance as an exemplary of pioneering architectural design and waterfront regeneration, and its Royal links with sovereigns past and present.

“We also identify the key role it will play in the future prosperity of Liverpool and the Liverpool City Region. Congratulations to Albert Dock and long may it reign.”

Sue Grindrod, Royal Albert Dock chief executive, said the honour is a “game-changer” for the Dock, Liverpool and the wider City Region.

She commented: “I cannot tell you how happy we are that Her Majesty The Queen has bestowed this honour on Albert Dock. It marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the Dock’s history, highlighting the important role heritage tourism can play within the city and city region context, and firmly repositioning the Dock on the international stage.

“It is also a tribute to the pioneering vision of the original Dock designer, Jesse Hartley, to Leonard Eppel and Michael Heseltine who helped shape its rebirth in the 1980s, and to the significant role the Dock has played in the history of this great city.”

Global asset manager Aberdeen Standard Investments took over Albert Dock’s commercial interests in 2016.

A year later, the company unveiled a long-term vision to reinvent the complex – home home to the largest group of Grade I-listed buildings in the country – with a progressive and evolving retail and food offering.

Simon Moscow, from Aberdeen Standard Investments, commented: “The realisation of The Royal Albert Dock Liverpool is such an incredible moment for everyone involved.

“The future of the Dock is looking very bright and we are proud to be part of it.”

Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram said: “It is fantastic for Albert Dock to be recognised in this way.

“The new Royal status is a vote of confidence in an attraction that has become an iconic representation of not just Liverpool city centre’s recent renaissance but the continuing success of the Liverpool City Region as a whole.”

Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson hailed the announcement as “fantastic news”, commenting: “Albert Dock holds a special place in the heart of Liverpool and this Royal recognition solidifies the significance of the Dock in this country and around the world.

“The regal stamp of approval is a reflection of this city’s heritage and cultural importance and I am thrilled at this news.”

The announcement will be greeted at an event today at Tate Liverpool, where Merseyside High Sheriff Peter Woods Esq DL will hand over official notice of Royal status.

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