National Museums Liverpool has announced lead architects, Harrison Stringfellow with Citizens Design Bureau, and Gerrard BSE and engineersHRW, on the circa £1 million redevelopment of their collection of historically significant dockside buildings: Mermaid House, the Cooperage and the Piermaster’s Office.
The buildings are located overlooking Mermaid Square, adjacent to the Royal Albert Dock. The Piermaster’s Office was an administration centre, documenting the arrival of ships into the dock, while in the workshop next door, the coopers made and repaired barrels for a range of goods such as tobacco and rum. Such buildings were an integral part of operating Liverpool’s pioneering docklands. Mermaid House, added to the dockscape in the 20th century, offers spectacular views across the River Mersey and towards the Pier Head.
The buildings will be refurbished and developed into a unique food and beverage outlet. Complementing the remarkable geographical surroundings and heritage, they will offer a new relaxing space within one of the city’s most popular destinations, overlooking the River Mersey.