Case
Liverpool One - a great result
In recent years Liverpool has been undergoing a huge transformation to its commercial and cultural centre, partially encouraged by the status it achieved through being the 2008 European City of Culture and the fact that it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. The UNESCO award was made on the basis that Liverpool was 'a supreme example of a commercial port at a time of Britain's greatest global influence'.
At the core of the latest investment is Liverpool One, a £1 billion development that has added 2 million sq ft of shops, offices and leisure facilities. This huge undertaking involved the redevelopment of 42 acres of under utilised land which is, in its self, the largest city centre development in Europe since post-war reconstruction.
Part of the development and in a key location on the site, overlooking the famous Liver Buildings, Albert Docks and River Mersey is the new Hilton Liverpool hotel. With 216 rooms and all the additional features you would expect from a new 4-star hotel including many fabulous architectural features, the result is a striking new gem in the Hilton crown.
A hotel’s visual presence is important, but being able to provide a seamless internal ambience that operates effectively, efficiently and unobtrusively is equally as vital. Working directly with Kier Build, the main contractor, Grundfos Pumps were delighted to offer their expertise to supply a complete turnkey pump solution.
To successfully service the needs of this flagship hotel there is an enclosed plantroom on the roof of the building as well as additional plant equipment on both the Mezzanine and basement levels.
To deliver the full range of requirements, an extensive range of Grundfos solutions were deployed that included: a wide range of Grundfos NBE single-stage electronically controlled standard pumps, complete with inertia bases; members of the UPS and ‘A’ rated MAGNA circulator family; and to ensure that there is always sufficient water to meet the demands - a vitally important aspect to a hotel - MPC-E booster sets. The overall system is backed-up by Grundfos IMpress pressurisation units.
There are many reasons to visit Liverpool that include it having the largest number of Grade One listed buildings and more museums and galleries than any UK city besides London; it is also the most successful footballing city in England; in addition it offers the opportunity to play at 40 different golf courses in the locale and the Anglican Cathedral is the largest in Britain and the 5th largest in the world. In other words Liverpool is a city that transcends the ages and offers something for everyone, regardless of where their interests lie.
Now with the arrival of Liverpool One the city has been given a new focal point for local, national and international visitors. The Beatles will remain the most famous sons of this historic city but this Liverpool One development - the new kid on the block - is the one who is currently drawing the crowds.
But this is not the end of story in terms of the scheduled development for the area - the Port of Liverpool is the largest of the Peel ports and handles 33 tonnes of cargo annually, and is currently undergoing a £15m extension to facility the growing number of liners visiting the port. In addition to this, the Peel Group are also planning a massive £5.5bn waterfront development that they believe has the potential to rival those of Dubai, Vancouver, Shanghai and New York.