Liverpool’s Pier Head and Canal Link wins public space award

The Pier Head and Canal Link in Liverpool designed by AECOM has won the 2010 RIBA CABE Public Space Award.

The Pier Head, a 2.5 hectare park on Liverpool’s historic docks, seamlessly integrates with the new Leeds and Liverpool canal link, the first major urban canal extension in a generation. The result is an elegant public space and an exciting new waterfront for the city.

The gentle changes in level flow from the canal basins in front of the Three Graces out to a series of seat walls and flights of steps near the water. The space works both as a venue for major events and a place for quiet contemplation.

CABE’s director of public space, Sarah Gaventa, was one of the judges. She praised the way the scheme complements its surroundings on a World Heritage site. ‘This is placemaking at its best.’

The award was presented by CABE chair Paul Finch at the ceremony for the RIBA Stirling Prize.

The other shortlisted schemes were the 7 July Memorial in Hyde Park and Regent’s Place Pavilion, two London schemes by Carmody Groarke.

Liverpool’s Canal Link was shortlisted for a 2009 Prime Minister’s Better Public Building Award.