It has been announced that the former Radio City tower in Liverpool will be transformed into a Yellow Submarine-themed viewing experience as part of a newly crafted Beatles attraction, which has been described as "extraordinary".
These proposals are to see the Beatles Story museum move onto a new 100,000 square feet site in the former market of St John's Shopping Centre, with organisers seeking to create an experience akin to Elvis Presley's home Graceland, or Dolly Parton's theme park, Dollywood.
The museum currently stands at the city's Albert Dock.
It was also revealed that St John's Beacon, home to Radio City since 2024, is to operate as a standalone attraction, offering a wonderful 360 degree view of the city.
The plans are to see The Beatles Story move into the hands of Apple Corps, a company founded by the band in 1968, overseeing their creative and business interests.
On these plans, Beatles icon, 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", he added. "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".
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".
Meanwhile, Tom Greene, chief executive for Apple Corps, 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", he added. "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".
This experience will also see visitors with the chance to step inside locations such as Abbey Road, The Cavern Club, and Savile Road. Some of these will be created using sets and props from the upcoming Beatles biopics, which will be directed by Sam Mendes.
The project has seen Apple Corps Ltd work closely with Liverpool City Council, and Liverpool Region Combined Authority, supported from central government.
British 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". (All quotes in this piece according to RTÉ).
Speaking of the Beatles biopics, Paul McCartney admitted there was one bugbear from the films, which made him reach out to director Sam Mendes and urge him "don't do this". More on this here.
