Signage to be removed from former Radio City tower

Signage on one of Liverpool's most recognisable landmarks is set to be removed after more than 25 years.

A planning application has been lodged with Liverpool City Council to take down the Radio City 96.7 logo from St Johns Beacon, which was installed in the year 2000.

The local radio station Radio City was broadcast from the grade II listed 450ft tower until 2024, when it was relocated and rebranded Hits Radio. Since then the building has been empty.

If approved, the sign would be replaced by a new animated LED screen, which the developer applicant said would "improve the visual quality of the signage as visible both during the day and in darkness".

Rumours have swirled about a possible new future for the tower, with invitations being sought for even the most "wacky" ideas.

However, the removal of the sign is likely to happen, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Built with the St Johns precinct at ground floor level, construction began on St Johns Beacon 60 years ago as a ventilation flue for its heating system.

With its 33ft (10m) antenna, the tower is still the tallest structure in Liverpool if its rooftop structures are included.

Permission was granted for the station signage to be put up in 1999 and it was completed the following year.

According to a heritage statement submitted with the application, the historical LED display has outlived its stay.

It said: "St John's Beacon is continuing to be used to advertise a business that is no longer resident, and which retains no relationship with the building.

"This also confuses its own identity, giving the incorrect impression that it continues to be occupied by and part of the radio station."

No other external modifications are proposed to be made to the beacon or the tower.

A date has yet to be confirmed for the plans to go before Liverpool Council's planning committee for a final decision.

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