Williamson Square, Liverpool

The square is in the heart of Liverpool’s pedestrianised shopping district, fronting the Playhouse Theatre. The aspiration was to make a truly multifunctional place with drama on a civic scale. The centrepiece is a wide fountain with the water jets emerging from a surface of cast iron gratings, flush with the surrounding paving. The jets are in the form of two rows of arches which invite interaction by people running through and between them whilst attempting to stay dry. The stairs to the underground plant rooms are concealed under an intriguing vesica shaped structure clad in cast bronze panels. There is a mass of colour changing lights under the gratings which are effective in lighting the rising mist. Most of the square is paved with massive granite flags making an uninterrupted space which is regularly used for markets, fairground equipment, civic events, stages, commercial installations and televised sports among other things.

“Camlins produced an imaginative and carefully detailed design for the award winning project at Williamson Square. The design responded well to the local character of the area and the overall project is highly valued locally with proven economic benefit. They led the consultative process with stakeholders and the wider public to gain support for the scheme design. Camlins are experienced at collaborative working with other professionals, suppliers and artisans and produce work of an exceptional standard whether it be bespoke bronze benches or the unique new fountain at Williamson Square.”

Rosey Paul, Principal Public Realm Project Manager

Client

Liverpool City Council

Date

2004 to 2007

Team

FaberMaunsell, lead consultant, engineer, lighting design / EC Harris, quantity surveyor