Architecture critics name Liverpool ferry terminal UK’s worst new building



MERSEYTRAVEL’S flagship Pier Head ferry terminal is the winner of this year’s “Carbuncle Cup”.
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The award is made by a panel of experts from the highly-respected Building Design magazine.

It is handed out every year to the country’s ugliest new building, based on public nominations. The £10.5m Pier Head ferry terminal, designed by Belfast-based Hamilton Architects, was chosen because of the damage the judges said the building had done to Liverpool’s waterfront, which is a Unesco world heritage site.

Building design editor Amanda Baillieu said: “The Pier Head ferry terminal was given the Carbuncle Cup as much for where it is, as for its lack of architectural merit.

“The city’s waterfront is one of the most important historical sites in Britain and you’ve got to be very careful with the architecture you put up there. What we get irritated about are architects trying to ape other famous architects.

“The result is abominable, complete pap and should never have been allowed to be built. It will look dated in only a year or two.”

The three-strong judging panel who made the award consists of two members of Building Design’s editorial team, plus an architect.

But both Liverpool City Council and Merseytravel leapt to the defence of the ferry terminal.

Council leader Warren Bradley said: “I don’t think it’s particularly out of place and it’s a million times better than what was there before.

“People forget that when the Liver Building was first put up, it had its critics.”

A Merseytravel spokesman said: “We are proud of the Pier Head Ferry Terminal and have received widespread support for the building from the community.”

Hamilton Architects last night declined to comment on the award.

THE DAILY POST