ALBERT DOCK LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND

ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION

SYED KAMAL & SYED DANIAL

INTRODUCTION

• The Albert Dock is a complex of dock buildings and warehouses in Liverpool, England.

• Designed by Jesse Hartley and Philip Hardwick.

• It was opened in 1846, and was the first structure in Britain to be built from cast iron, brick and stone, with no structural wood.

• As a result, it was the first non-combustible warehouse system in the world

• It became a popular store for valuable cargoes such as brandy, cotton, tea, silk, tobacco, ivory and sugar.

• Two years after it opened it was modified to feature the world's first hydraulic cranes.

• During the World War II, the Albert Dock was requisitioned by the Admiralty serving as a base for boats of the British Atlantic Fleet.

• The complex was damaged during air raids on Liverpool, notably during the May Blitz of 1941.

LIVERPOOL “MAY BLITZ” 1941

Build and Design• Construction of the Albert Dock began in 1841

• Materials used in the build of the waterfront complex included cast iron, brick and granite from a quarry in Kirkcudbrightshire, bought by the Dock Board specially for its new project.

• One of the most notable features of the Albert Dock are the huge cast iron columns that line the quayside.

• The columns are based upon the Greek Doric style of architecture.

• the building's style is described as Cyclopean Classicism.

Decline• By the 1860s the dock was losing business.

• It was designed for sailing ships, not the prevalent large, screw-propelled steamships.

• The basin and dock entrance were simply too small.

• Which had once been a major selling point, now prevented expansion.

• World War II provided a brief reprieve for the dock when it was used as a base for escort vessels in the Battle of the Atlantic.

• There was virtually no commercial shipping activity in the Albert Dock after 1920 -although its warehouses continued to be used for some years - and, after decades of disuse, it finally closed in 1972.

The Restoration of Albert Dock• The refurbishment of Albert Dock was carried

out by the Arrowcroft Group, through its subsidiary, the Albert Dock Co Ltd.

• The historical and architectural importance of the Albert Dock had long been recognised: it was given Grade I listed building status in 1952, and made a conservation area in 1976

• Plans were prepared in 1982, work began in 1983 and the first phase was opened in 1984 in time for the arrival of the Tall Ships Race and the International Garden Festival.

• Today the Albert Dock is a major tourist attraction in the city and the most visited multi-use attraction in the United Kingdom, outside of London.

• It is a vital component of Liverpool's UNESCO designated World Heritage Maritime Mercantile City and the docking complex and warehouses also comprise the largest single collection of Grade I listed buildings anywhere in the United Kingdom.

The Present Day

• Around five million people visit each year, making the dock the most-visited free attraction in the UK outside London.

• The Albert Dock contains over 25 shops, more than 12 restaurant and café outlets and over 30 offices.

• The Albert Dock also houses a host of unique visitor attractions, including the Tate Liverpool, the Beatles Story, Merseyside Maritime Museum, the International Slavery Museum, BugWorld Experience, ShiverpoolGhost Tours, Yellow Duckmarine, Yellow Boat Cruise and the Echo Wheel.