McCartney, Starr back plans for major new Beatles attraction in Liverpool
- The Beatles Story is set to relocate to venue more than 4 times its current size, while St John's Beacon will host a new Yellow Submarine experience
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- The Beatles Story is set to relocate to venue more than 4 times its current size, while St John's Beacon will host a new Yellow Submarine experience
By Efe Ozkan
ISTANBUL (AA) - Former Beatles members Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr have backed plans for a major new attraction celebrating the band's legacy in Liverpool, BBC reported Tuesday.
The development will see The Beatles Story move from Albert Dock to the former St John's Market site, while St John's Beacon, formerly known as the Radio City tower, will host a new Yellow Submarine experience.
McCartney said he was excited for fans to be able to "step into our story," while Starr welcomed plans to support emerging Liverpool artists through proceeds from ticket sales.
According to the BBC, the new attraction will use immersive technology, original artifacts and recreated sets to trace The Beatles' journey from postwar Liverpool to international fame.
Apple Corps Ltd., which manages The Beatles' creative and business interests, will take over operations of The Beatles Story in 2027, ahead of its planned relocation in 2028.
The Beatles Story has operated at Albert Dock since 1990. Its new home will occupy the former St John's Market Hall, which has remained vacant since the market closed in 2024.
The new venue will cover 9,300 square meters (100,000 square feet), more than four times the size of the current attraction.
Visitors will explore key stages of the band's history, including their early years in Liverpool, time in Hamburg, performances at The Cavern and the rise of Beatlemania.
The experience will also feature Abbey Road, Shea Stadium and the band's final public performance at 3 Savile Row in London.
Apple Corps Chief Executive Tom Greene said the project would create a destination reflecting Liverpool's musical heritage.
"Just like Graceland or Dollywood, it's fitting that The Beatles will have a world-class destination for fans to visit in the city where the story started," he said.
- 'Liverpool is part of who we are'
McCartney stressed the city's importance to the band's identity.
"I love Liverpool. It's part of who I am, it's part of who The Beatles are," he 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.
"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."
Starr also welcomed the expansion, describing his hometown as a center of music. "Liverpool was, and still is, Music City," he said.
"And now we are expanding The Beatles Story Experience in Liverpool - how far out. The beat goes on.
"I also love that proceeds from every ticket will go back to support new Liverpool artists. It is great to be part of this. Deep down I am still a scouser. I love what Apple Corps and Liverpool are doing."
Efe Özkan