Deadline for St Johns Beacon ideas extended

The search for ideas for how to transform one of Liverpool's most recognisable landmarks has been extended.

St Johns Beacon, known to many people in the city as the Radio City Tower, has been empty since the radio station moved out, after nearly 25 years, in 2024.

Due to the high level of interest in the building, a deadline for proposals from businesses looking to take over the running of tower has been extended by a week, said St Johns Centre director Neil Ashcroft.

"We have an obligation to the people of Liverpool to get this right," he added.

"We've had a great deal of interest," Ashcroft said.

"It's an unusual shape, it's a complex space, but there are lots of possibilities.

"It's key that we really explore all the avenues... be it a leading attraction, be it in the hospitality industry or something totally different like a flexible event space.

"It's important that we look at all those opportunities and give people that chance to provide solutions and ideas for us, because it is so iconic."

The building, which stands at 453 ft (138m) was completed in 1969, and became famous for its revolving Tower Restaurant in the 1970s.

After years of standing empty the tower became home to Radio City which was broadcast from the site on Houghton Street from 2000 to late 2024.

"The beacon is now available for the first time this century," Ashcroft said.

"What's been really surprising is not just the types of uses, but the breadth of worthy expressions of interest have come from.

"So not just locally, but regionally and nationally.

"We know we're obligated to the city to create something amazing.

"It's so important that we get this right."

Ashcroft said he welcomed the fact everyone in the city "has an opinion on what the tower should become".

"It is good to see that people have that natural enthusiasm for the space, and we share that," he said.

Businesses and developers have until Friday to put forward their ideas.

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