Derby Square, Liverpool

Derby Square was the site of Liverpool Castle, then of the Georgian St George’s Church and now the imposing Memorial to Queen Victoria. It fronts the Queen Elizabeth II Courts of Law and sits at the southern end of Castle Street. The space is very busy with pedestrian traffic in all directions and one of the few places in the city centre where people can sit outside in good weather. The major ‘lower’ square and a minor ‘upper’ square each take on their own geometric and aesthetic character in response to the memorial and the courts complex respectively. The two levels are joined by an arrangement of massive granite terraces, simultaneously forming the plinth to the courts and addressing the memorial. Some mature plane trees are retained and a number of semi mature pine trees are planted with reference to the coastal hilltop location. The terraces are a stage for the annual Matthew Street Festival, which draws ever increasing numbers of people to musical performance in the city centre.

Client

Liverpool City Council

Date

2004 to 2009

Team

2020 Liverpool, lead consultant, engineer, lighting design, contract administrator