The Manser Practice was appointed by the Isle of Man Government to provide architectural services in the design development of a new ferry terminal to replace the existing facility in Liverpool. The terminal is required to cater for current vessels as well as a third new larger vessel.
The new terminal will provide ferry crossings to and from Douglas, Isle of Man, operated by the Steam Packet Company.
The brief is to deliver a new terminal and all associated marine and landside infrastructure that not only delivers a functional operation but also enhances the Island’s national identity and profile in Liverpool.
The building is designed as a simple, high quality ‘pavilion’ to complement rather than compete with its historical setting. It is horizontal in form, with a largely glazed first floor sat over a heavier podium at ground floor level with overhanging eaves and projecting plant areas, and roof lights in the ‘fifth elevation’.
A key consideration of the design was to make the building recognisably ‘Manx’. Interior colours have been chosen to reflect the ‘Pagan Lady’ necklace found at Peel Castle, and the Triskelion motif has been used in the roof lights.
The site is complex in terms of its size, access and location within the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inevitably there are a wide range of stakeholders from the operator through to Historic England, and we worked closely with them to develop a detailed understanding of their requirements.
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