St Johns Beacon: Liverpool’s Iconic Radio and Observation Tower

Architectural Marvel and Historical Roots

St Johns Beacon was designed by James A. Roberts Associates and completed in 1969, with its grand opening officiated by Queen Elizabeth II. Standing 138 meters tall, it is Liverpool’s second-tallest free-standing structure and the tallest when including its 10-meter antenna. The tower’s design, praised by Historic England as embodying “technological bravura and the spirit of the space age,” earned it Grade II listed status in 2020. Originally conceived as a ventilation shaft for a shopping precinct, it quickly became a city landmark with a revolving restaurant at its summit, where both the floor and façade rotated as one unit, providing diners with sweeping views of Liverpool.

Transformation and Radio Heritage

The revolving restaurant operated briefly before closing due to health and safety regulations. It later reopened in 1983 with a Buck Rogers space theme but eventually ceased operations. The tower fell into disuse and was considered an eyesore until its refurbishment from 1999 to 2000, which cost £5 million. This renovation repurposed the observation deck into office space and studios for Radio City 96.7 and Magic 1548, preserving the original revolving mechanism but fixing it in place. The tower has since been a hub for local radio broadcasting, symbolizing Liverpool’s cultural vitality.

Panoramic Views and Visitor Experience

Visitors to St Johns Beacon can ascend via lifts that reach the top in 30 seconds, where the viewing gallery offers 360-degree panoramas of Liverpool, Merseyside, the Wirral, North Wales, and on clear days, landmarks as distant as Snowdonia and Blackpool Tower. The slanted windows of the observation deck create a unique viewing experience, allowing guests to gaze down on the city’s vibrant streets and historic architecture. The tower also hosts events and exhibitions, reinforcing its role as a community beacon.

Lighting and Cultural Significance

The tower’s exterior features dynamic lighting that illuminates the crow’s nest structure and changes colors to mark special occasions and events. An advertising framework at the top displays banners and lightboxes, including commemorative artworks like the “Liverpool 2018” banner celebrating the city’s European Capital of Culture anniversary. These lights enhance the tower’s presence in Liverpool’s night skyline, making it a vibrant and living landmark.

Engineering and Structural Details

Constructed with slip-formed concrete, the tower’s foundation is 18 meters in diameter and 5.2 meters deep, anchored into sandstone. It is structurally independent from the adjacent shopping centre. The tower contains 558 stairs and two lift shafts, blending robust engineering with modernist aesthetics. The preservation of the revolving restaurant’s mechanism during refurbishment reflects respect for its architectural heritage.

Future Prospects and Community Role

In 2020, proposals were made to introduce a zip wire from the tower’s second floor to Liverpool Central Library, sparking debate about the balance between innovation and preservation. St Johns Beacon continues to be a symbol of Liverpool’s resilience and creativity, inviting locals and visitors alike to explore its heights and history.