Our website, liverpool1.one, has often highlighted various business formats that might interest modern entrepreneurs. This time, however, we’re focusing on a retail and entertainment complex that shares an almost identical name with our site. This is quite an interesting coincidence, as Liverpool ONE is a true magnet for shopaholics, foodies, and anyone who appreciates quality leisure time. So, what makes it so special?
Liverpool ONE: The Lowdown
Located right in the heart of the city, this complex, spanning over 153,290 m², is seamlessly integrated into Liverpool’s historic streets. It boasts more than 170 shops, bars, restaurants, and entertainment options to suit every taste. A 14-screen cinema and a sprawling five-acre urban park ensure there’s something for everyone. It’s also home to the UK’s largest Gravity MAX entertainment centre, featuring 12 thrilling interactive attractions.
Liverpool ONE is renowned for its impressive line-up of major brands like M&S, Zara, Apple, JD, Hugo Boss, and Charlotte Tilbury. It offers a harmonious blend of well-known international names, independent boutiques, temporary creative spaces, and small local projects. The complex is divided into five zones: retail areas (Paradise Street, South John Street, Peters Lane, Hanover Street) and a leisure zone (Leisure Terrace, which overlooks the green Chavasse Park).
Over 22 million people visit Liverpool ONE annually. What’s more, the complex actively supports social and environmental initiatives, striving to make the city even more comfortable, green, and community-friendly. Its achievements include the prestigious Green Flag environmental award for Chavasse Park, Green Heritage Site status, and ISO14001 certification for sustainable environmental management systems.
Liverpool ONE has been a driving force behind the regeneration of the entire city and region. It has helped to re-establish Liverpool’s reputation as a vital tourist destination in the UK – a city that’s definitely worth a visit. Since its opening in October 2008, this modern retail complex has become a favourite spot for both locals and visitors from around the globe. Each year, it records a record number of visitors and impressive sales figures, significantly outperforming the UK average.
Liverpool ONE positively hums with modernity, making everyone feel at ease. You can shop ’til you drop or simply enjoy a pleasant time. Competitors can either gnash their teeth in envy or take a different (and more constructive) approach: learn how to do business properly from this success story.
How Liverpool ONE Transformed the Face of Liverpool
Liverpool ONE became an integral part of the extensive urban regeneration project known as The Paradise Street Project. The total area of this project reached approximately 250,000 square metres, encompassing six city centre blocks, including Hanover Street, Peters Lane, New Manestics Lane, Paradise Street, and South John Street.
The complex brought together over 200 shops, 25 restaurants, a 14-screen Odeon cinema, three hotels, 500 apartments, three office buildings, a large car park for 2,000 vehicles, and a five-acre public park, which proudly holds a Green Flag eco-award. During construction, particular attention was paid to preserving historical architecture, ensuring that the modern buildings seamlessly blended with the city’s ancient structures.
The project was initiated and developed by Grosvenor, who, in collaboration with the city council, aimed to restore Liverpool’s status as a thriving commercial and tourist hub. Indeed, Liverpool ONE has become a symbol of the city’s economic and social revival. Modern management, strategic space development, and the introduction of new brands have helped the complex attract over 400 million visitors, create new jobs, and significantly boost business tourism in the region.
In 2024, Landsec acquired Grosvenor’s stake in this project and continues its development in line with contemporary demands.
Liverpool ONE as a Well-Thought-Out Business Mechanism
As you’ll see, Liverpool ONE’s success is no accident. It cleverly combines a strong commercial concept, visitor comfort, and an eye for detail that encourages people to keep coming back.
The complex is among the largest retail and entertainment centres in the UK. The diverse range of retail outlets within the complex, a mix of big and small players, attracts a wide audience – from fashion enthusiasts seeking the latest trends to tourists looking for souvenirs or unique local goods.
The complex’s business model is designed so that customers seek out its unique atmosphere and entertainment options. You can do your shopping here or spend a whole day with the family. Visitors are drawn to the pleasant walking areas. They are impressed that over 35 restaurants and bars offer everything from quick bites to full meals. Children will love the LEGO and Disney stores, while tech enthusiasts will find a wide selection of gadgets and electronics.
Among the additional benefits contributing to its commercial success are:
- Convenient location near the waterfront, just minutes from the city centre.
- Over 3,000 parking spaces across three car parks, eliminating transport worries.
- Excellent public transport accessibility.
- Full accessibility for people with disabilities, including the Shopmobility partnership programme offering mobility aids and equipment.
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the complex.
This blend of shopping, leisure, and comfort makes Liverpool ONE one of the most recommended places for retail and entertainment in the city. It consistently features in tourist guides’ “Best Shopping Destinations” and “10 Must-Visit Locations in Liverpool” lists for a good reason.
For entrepreneurs, this case study offers a clear example of how a well-conceived commercial establishment, attention to comfort, and diverse offerings can create a long-term successful project. Would you like to be able to create similar ventures? Perhaps you need to learn the fundamentals of financial management.
Controversies and Criticism: Is Everything So Rosy?
Like any large-scale project, Liverpool ONE hasn’t just garnered rave reviews. There has also been criticism from certain organisations and local residents, which is logical in its own way. One of the initial concerns was raised by representatives of the Open Spaces Society, who worried that the development would restrict free access to the city’s central streets. While all streets within Liverpool ONE remain under the city’s bylaws and are formally considered public, the debate about whether this feels like a land grab in disguise — a subtle takeover of space that was meant to belong to everyone — is still ongoing.
Another point of criticism concerns how Liverpool ONE changed Liverpool’s commercial landscape. With the complex’s opening, some shoppers migrated there, which painfully affected less popular retail establishments such as Cavern Walks, St. John’s Shopping Centre, and Metquarter. Local commercial institutions, including legendary shops on Bold Street, Lime Street, and Ranelagh Street, also suffered, with an increase in vacant premises recorded.
However, despite some contentious issues, Liverpool ONE has achieved international recognition. As early as 2009, the project was honoured with the prestigious MAPIC Award, given to Europe’s best commercial properties.