Liverpool is known for its skyline with the city's major landmarks recognised across the world.

With an impressive array of architecture and a varied history, the city centre is not short of memorable structures.

But we walk past these buildings every day without knowing who actually owns the places that define Liverpool for many.

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From the Liver Building to St John's Beacon, many of the most distinctive place in the city are not owned by the public but by private individuals, many of whom you may not even have heard of.

From multinational companies to individuals, these are the owners of some of the city's centre's most recognisable places.

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The Liver Building

Royal Liver Building Liver Birds Legend History
The Liver Building is one of the most recognisable buildings in the city.

Owner: Corestate Capital

Arguably the most recognisable building in the city, the Liver Building's position on the waterfront and its distinctive Liver bird sculptures means it occupies a unique place in Liverpool's skyline.

Built in 1911 for the Royal Liver Assurance company, it was once one of the tallest buildings in the country.

The building was sold to international consortium Corestate Capital in 2017, with Everton FC owner Farhad Moshiri a key figure in the deal.

Since then, a major revamp has been ongoing, with Corestate announcing earlier this year that all office space in the building had been let.

Cunard Building

The Cunard Building is currently owned by Liverpool Council.
The Cunard Building is currently owned by Liverpool Council.

Owner: Liverpool Council

Used as the headquarters of the Cunard shipping line until the 1960s, the Cunard Building is currently owned by Liverpool Council.

Similarl to the Liver Building, the Cunard was extensively refurbished after the council bought it in 2013.

There were originally hopes the building could function as both an office and as part of a new cruise terminal for the city, however the cruise terminal plans were later dropped.

The Cunard now houses offices for hundreds of council staff as well as other tenants.

The Port of Liverpool Building

The Port of Liverpool Building alongside the other Three Graces.
The Port of Liverpool Building alongside the other Three Graces.

Owner: George Downing

The third of Liverpool's Three Graces, the Port of Liverpool Building, is owned by city property tycoon George Downing.

Known for its distinctive domed roof, the building underwent a major restoration between 2006 and 2009.

Prior to Mr Downing's purchase of the building in 2001 it had been the headquarters of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board for most of its existence.

Mr Downing is one of the city's biggest commercial landlords with an estimated wealth running into hundreds of millions.

India Buildings

The arcade in the newly refurbished India Building.
The arcade in the newly refurbished India Building.

Owner: Legal & General

While the India Buildings are recognisable from the outside, it is the central arcade running through that is arguably its most distinctive feature.

Located on Water Street, it was originally built speculatively and used as offices for a shipping firm and for other business.

It has also been through major renovations, with a host of improvements taking place during its latest revamp.

Current owners Legal & General bought the building in 2017. With work on the building now coming to an end, it is planned for the site to become a major hub for HMRC.

St John's Beacon

St John's Beacon stands high above the rest of the city centre.. Photo by Colin Lane
St John's Beacon stands high above the rest of the city centre.. Photo by Colin Lane


Owner: Bauer Media

A more modern addition to the city centre's skyline, St John's Beacon is unique in its appearance.

Opened by the Queen in 1969, the building's design was honoured last year when it became Grade II listed.

When it originally opened, the top of the building housed a high-end revolving restaurant, with visitors treated to views across the city.

After the restaurant finally closed in the 1980s, the building was taken over by Radio City, whose logo is now visible across its side. The station's owner Bauer now controls the building.

Liverpool Town Hall

Castle Street and Liverpool Town Hall during the first lockdown.
Castle Street and Liverpool Town Hall during the first lockdown.


Owner: Liverpool Council

The home of the city council's chamber, Liverpool Town Hall has long been in public hands.

Always more of a civic building than an administrative one, the town hall has a range of impressive rooms in addition to the main chamber, with a range of sculptures, paintings and busts standing in its halls.

As well as being a home for council meetings, the building also hosts events, with weddings and other celebrations often staged there.

St George's Hall

St George's Hall, illuminated red here to mark the 32nd anniversary of Hillsborough.
St George's Hall, illuminated red here to mark the 32nd anniversary of Hillsborough.

Owner: Liverpool Council

Another council-owned landmark, St George's Hall is often many people's first introduction to the city, sitting across the road from Lime Street Station.

Now used for a range of conferences, weddings and events, the building is made up of a series of impressive smaller halls, each with their own character.

The council approved a £140,000 project to renovate parts of the hall last year, allowing repairs to take place to the hall's roof, lighting and stonework while large scale events were suspended due to Covid restrictions.

Like the council's other buildings, the hall has now reopened for events, with a number of concerts planned for later this year.

Municipal Buildings

Works have begun to transform the Municipal Building in Liverpool city centre into a hotel.
Works have begun to transform the Municipal Building in Liverpool city centre into a hotel.


Owner: Fragrance Group

Long the home of Liverpool's magistrates courts, Dale Street's Municipal Buildings passed from public to private hands a few years ago.

Currently shrouded in coverings as part of a huge renovation, the building is set to reopen as a hotel in the coming years.

After it was sold by the council it came under the ownership of Singapore-based property firm Fragrance Group.

They submitted plans for a high end hotel in the building a number of years ago and work on that project is now underway.

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