The former Radio City tower in Liverpool is to be transformed into a Yellow Submarine-themed viewing experience as part of plans for an “extraordinary” new Beatles attraction, it has been announced.
The Beatles Story Mmuseum, which is currently at the city’s Albert Dock, will move onto a new 100,000 square feet site in the former market of St John’s Shopping Centre in 2028 as part of the proposals, which organisers hope will create an experience to rival a visit to Elvis Presley’s home Graceland or Dolly Parton’s theme park Dollywood.
The city’s recognisable St John’s Beacon, which was home to Radio City until 2024, will operate as a stand-alone attraction, offering a panoramic 360-degree view of the city.
2KMH5ER Liverpool, UK: The Beatles Story, a museum about the lives of the Merseyside band, Royal Albert Dock
Sir Paul McCartney said: “I find it incredible and humbling that people are still interested in our story and it’s very exciting to me that The Beatles Story and The Beacon are being transformed in such an exciting way in the heart of Liverpool city.
“I love Liverpool. It’s part of who I am, it’s part of who The Beatles are. If you’d told us this was going to happen when we were hanging out and getting started we’d never have believed it.
“The extraordinary plans the Apple Corps team have shown me for The Beatles Story take me right back to that journey, from Liverpool to the world and back home again.
“It couldn’t have happened without Liverpool and I can’t wait for people to be able to step into our story and share the experience.”
Sir Ringo Starr added: “Liverpool was, and still is, music city. And now we are expanding the The Beatles Story Experience in Liverpool – how far out. The beat goes on.”
The plans will see The Beatles Story move into the hands of Apple Corps – a company founded by the Fab Four in 1968 to oversee their creative and business interests.
Tickets sold for the attraction will contribute to The Apple Corps Liverpool Trust, set up to provide financial support and opportunities for emerging Liverpool artists.
Apple Corps’ chief executive Tom Greene said: “Liverpool birthed the greatest band in history and today we are announcing a new experience in the city that does justice to that legacy.
“Just like Graceland or Dollywood, it’s fitting that The Beatles will have a world-class destination for fans to visit in the centre of the city where the story started.
“It marks a new chapter in Apple Corp’s history and we can’t wait for people to see what we’ve been working on.”
Sir Paul McCartney called the project ‘very exciting’ (Danny Lawson/PA)
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The multi-hour experience is set to use immersive technology, original artefacts and reconstructed sets to allow fans to journey through the world of Beatlemania.
Visitors will also be able to step inside locations, including The Cavern, Abbey Road and Savile Row, some of which will be created using sets and props from Sir Sam Mendes’ upcoming The Beatles: A Four-Film Cinematic Event, due for release in April 2028.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “This is the kind of ambition I want to see more of across Britain, backing the things our great cities do best and turning that global reputation into jobs, opportunity and growth.
“This will be a world-class addition to Liverpool and another showcase for British music and creativity on the international stage.”
The project has seen Apple Corps Ltd work with Liverpool City Council and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, with support from central government.