The tower, known as the Radio City Tower, has been empty since Bauer Media vacated the building in December 2024 after almost 25 years
Several bids have been submitted by companies eager to move into Liverpool’s landmark St Johns Beacon, according to the organisation overseeing its management.
The “iconic” structure, widely known as the Radio City Tower, has remained unoccupied since the radio station departed towards the end of last year.
Radio City – which underwent rebranding to become Hits Radio in April 2024 – transmitted its final programme from the tower on Christmas Eve.
St Johns, the company responsible for managing the tower, marketplace and car park, revealed that the structure required essential maintenance work following the departure of Bauer Media, who had called the tower home for nearly 25 years.
These renovation works are approaching completion, the company confirmed, with numerous proposals and “strong expressions of interest” received from businesses seeking to take up residence in the tower, reports the Liverpool Echo.
St Johns centre director Neil Ashcroft said the organisation would “take the time to ensure we secure the right use for the Beacon’s long term future.”
The 138-metre tower was completed in 1969. It was originally constructed to serve as a ventilation system for the retail complex beneath, whilst the celebrated rotating Tower Restaurant launched at the summit of the building in 1971.
Following Bauer Media’s announcement in 2024 that it would leave the tower, Liverpool Echo readers were swift to suggest restoring the tower’s revolving restaurant. Back in January, London property owners Rivington Hark declared they would consider “all ideas” for the landmark “however wacky” they might prove to be.
In 2020, Liverpool Council’s planning committee granted approval for a £5m zipwire that would stretch from the tower across St Johns Gardens before landing on Central Library’s rooftop.
Former mayor Joe Anderson intervened to halt the project, with the tower subsequently achieving Grade II listed protection later that same year.
This month, remarkable photographs captured engineers ascending the structure under cover of darkness whilst conducting safety assessments and structural examinations of the two-storey office accommodation crowning the tower.
Between 1999 and 2000, the tower underwent comprehensive renovation works before German media company Bauer took occupancy.
Neil Ashcroft, centre director at St Johns, said: “After being occupied for 25 years, the space understandably needed some remedial work once the previous tenant moved out, and we’re pleased to say those works are now nearing completion.
“We’ve received multiple offers and strong expressions of interest in St Johns Beacon, which is fantastic to see and we continue to explore the options open to us. Our priority is now to take the time to ensure we secure the right use for the Beacon’s long term future.
“St Johns Beacon is an iconic Liverpool landmark, and by choosing carefully we can make sure its next chapter truly reflects what’s best for the city and our community for many years to come.”
