Tobacco Warehouse in Liverpool set for major redevelopment

A historic warehouse in Liverpool, known as the Tobacco Warehouse, is being transformed in a £250 million redevelopment project. Built in 1901, it was once touted as the largest warehouse in the world. The building, which consists of 13 million bricks, will soon house 1,500 residents. The redevelopment aims to create a mixed-use space that includes apartments, cafes, bars, and leisure facilities. Sean Keyes, CEO of the engineering firm Sutcliffe, shared that the project will preserve the building's cultural and historical significance while revitalizing Liverpool's docklands. The Tobacco Warehouse has been largely unused for the last 50 years. Keyes noted that maintaining its original structure is important for sustainability. The project is part of a larger effort to rejuvenate Liverpool, which includes the construction of a new Everton stadium. However, repurposing the large building has had challenges. Engineers needed to improve lighting and ceiling heights inside while protecting the exterior. They created three large openings to allow light in and removed some floors for double-height apartments. The completed project is expected to promote local businesses by encouraging more foot traffic. It also focuses on sustainability, as it connects to the Mersey Heat network, which helps cut carbon emissions. Unique historical elements of the warehouse include remnants of a former dock that it was built around. The redevelopment is also mindful of local wildlife, allowing peregrine falcons to nest without disturbance. Keyes believes that the Tobacco Warehouse has the potential to become one of Liverpool's key landmarks again, marking the start of a larger transformation in the area.