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Giant Liverpool warehouse could be revived

7th Jan 2004

A £100m plan seeks to revive Liverpool's enormous Tobacco Warehouse - one of the most dramatic buildings on the waterways.

The building is said to be the largest 'bonded warehouse' in the world, where imported goods were stored until duty was paid on them. The Tobacco Warehouse has stood empty in Liverpool's Stanley Dock for 20 years. But with the recent announcement of exciting plans for the area - including construction of a new canal, and architect Will Alsop's dramatic Fourth Grace - developers now believe the time is ripe to revive this 100-year old building.

The plans envisage three floors of shops and restaurants, 700 apartments, and a busy market on the ground floor, described as "Liverpool's answer to London's Camden Lock Market". The Stanley Dock Heritage Market already takes place there.

The historic dock inside the warehouse, which was once used to carry tobacco in and out of the building, would be re-excavated and connected to the proposed Leeds & Liverpool Canal extension.

Floating cafes would adorn the dock outside, and there would even be a small 'maritime park' highlighting Liverpool's aquatic history.

The proposals are due to be considered by Liverpool City Council this month.

Last updated: 22/10/2008