An international design competition has been launched to give access to one of the finest - but most rarely seen - views anywhere in Britain.

The competition is to find a replacement for the disused radar tower that stands between Liverpool docks and Crosby Beach. It calls for an Observatory that will be become a major landmark and tourist attraction, drawing in up to 250,000 visitors per year.

From the Observatory, people will be able to see the full cityscape of Liverpool, Crosby Beach with its famous installation of 100 iron figures by artist Antony Gormley, the internationally important and protected bird life of the open coast, the vast working docks on the River Mersey, the 100m high wind turbines on the dockside, Liverpool Bay and the Irish Sea.

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The international design competition is being launched after an advisory panel of architects insisted that a location with such potential demands a structure of international standards.

The winning design must create an Observatory that will be loved by local people as well as attracting people to visit Crosby and creating new jobs. Local people have already been consulted on the idea to build an Observatory and there will be consultation throughout the scheme, including an exhibition of designs next February.

The Observatory will be required to meet high standards of sustainability, including using renewable energy sources. It must also create a stimulating environment for enjoying and learning.

The competition is being backed by a strong partnership that includes the Northwest Regional Development Agency, Mersey Waterfront, the Mersey Basin Campaign and Peel Holdings - owner of Liverpool docks and one of the UK's leading developers.

(JM)