With 40% of global trade passing through Liverpool's waters during the 19th century, the city was a major player in international maritime trade and it needed to walk the walk.
The Albert Dock was designed by Jesse Hartley and Philip Hardwick as a combined dock and warehouse system. Made out of non-combustible materials, the likelihood of fires was dramatically lower here than it was in other docks, making The Albert Dock a lucrative place for companies to house their goods; cargoes from across the globe would be stored here, including cotton, teas, silk and tobacco.
Following a successful start, the area eventually fell into decline and was closed in 1972 but with some investment and a development company, it reopened in the 80s and is now one of the top tourist attractions in the country. Boom! That's some true scouse spirit there!
Not just one for the tourists, however, the Royal Albert Dock as it's now officially called, is a hotspot for city dwellers and social butterflies alike. The warehouses have been converted into chic apartments that still bear the original brick walls, it's a prime location for property and they can command higher prices than other apartments in the city. But it does pay to live here as just on your doorstep is an array of amazing bars and restaurants paying homage to international cuisines such as Latin American, Asian and British, of course!
It's a beautiful place for an evening or weekend walk and with a five-minute walk to
Liverpool ONE, you're a stone's throw away from the shops including a lovely
Marks and Spencers Food Hall!