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Post by Deleted on Sept 27, 2013 13:32:51 GMT 1
As someone who once worked in this building, I am delighted to see that it's going to be restored to its original state, at least on the lower floors. It used to have some magnificent models of ships in glass cases in the centre of the hall, including one of the Titanic (I wonder who's got that now?) and it was always impressive, even in the old days. It even had uniformed lift operators when I worked there! linkInteresting comments from people in Southampton...
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Post by Biggles on Sept 27, 2013 16:11:04 GMT 1
Superb news for the whole of the Northern part of the UK who enjoy cruise holidays but do not see the need to travel down to Southampton to join a ship. This council decision could go down as one of the best they have ever had. What we need now is total support from local people and business moguls a massive campaign to attract Cruise lines like P&O and of course Cunard to arrange departures etc from Liverpool to places they go to from Southampton. They also need someone who will stand up to what is the inevitable backlash from SH. I worked for Clan Line many years ago and had a lot to do with Cunard Building and friends who worked for Cunard. Brilliant idea.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 27, 2013 18:21:46 GMT 1
My first job was in the Cunard Building. Some very happy memories working in such an iconic building. Spent many a lunchtime playing snooker in the basement on the full-sized table !
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Post by Deleted on Sept 27, 2013 21:23:36 GMT 1
My first job was in the Cunard Building. Some very happy memories working in such an iconic building. Spent many a lunchtime playing snooker in the basement on the full-sized table ! Ah yes, I'd forgotten about the snooker table! (I was usually in the Chinese across the road, spending my luncheon vouchers!)
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Post by ronturner on Oct 2, 2013 17:18:10 GMT 1
This is great news.
The terminal will be unique in todays world, even though it is a hark back to former days. The trick now is to provide a really modern practical environment for passengers, within the frame work of the old, so that the past can be part of the present. We have gone full circle in terms of taste and the past is now worth something. I am sure this has been well thought of and a first class architect and interior designer are being brought on board.
If I was in charge, I would start by demolishing that concrete eyesore which the Cunard building has to look out at, then I would try to figure out a way in which the new canal could be properly opened up, instead of being buried (mostly) underground as it is now, so that cruise passengers could go by luxury barge direct to their ship. In any case, the business of transferring passengers to their ship must be a first class as well as practical.
Then I would make sure that the new cruise terminal was properly and seamlessly linked to other transport hubs to give passengers the best experience possible, including car parks and secure valet parking, and finally I would make sure that Liverpool airport was fully equipped with ground services, specifically for cruise passengers, because you cam bet your life that the place up the road will do its best to get a slice of the money to be made out of the Liverpool cruise market.
This has been a long time coming. I remember when liners could be seen every day at the landing stage, often more than one. Lets hope the chance is not wasted.
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captainkevey
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Post by captainkevey on Oct 2, 2013 18:31:37 GMT 1
so who will actually be running this enterprise ? the council or one of the cruise oporators ? the reason for asking is my daughter is in her last year in college travel & touruism . i have said it would be a good oppertunity for her to seek employment in the industry at this location but i dont know who will be running it any help appreciated . regards kev
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Post by LPL on Oct 2, 2013 19:58:54 GMT 1
The council are paying for the cruise terminal now and the Cunard Building will be owned by the council, so it will be the council.
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Post by ronturner on Oct 2, 2013 20:16:49 GMT 1
Not necessarily, LPL, The owners,(The city council) may decide to sub contract the operation of the cruise terminal to a competent authority. probably an organisation familiar with providing customer handling and customer service, such as an Airport handling company, one of the cruise lines,Virgin group or something like that. It would be an irony if the operating of the terminal was put out to tender and it was won by somebody such as Manchester Airport Group. Now, there's a bad thought!
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Post by Biggles on Oct 2, 2013 21:14:30 GMT 1
Ron, you have hit the nail on the head with your points, what concerns me at this time is that not long after this was announced the Mayor of Liverpool was on TV being interviewed about the massive financial cuts that are going too have to be made as they reckon only essential services will be able to be covered ? that seems to be at odds with what he was stating not that long ago about the Council purchasing this building and moving \council staff into the building. Tonight he was again on NW News talking about the costly 6 month renovation of the burned out part of Croxteth Hall. Magnificent job and building. Must have cost a fortune to undertake.
It would be nice to hope this Cunard plan does not fizzle out before it gets going. It really deserves to succeed as long term cash benefits must out way the drawbacks, especially as the Cruise Industry is still growing. Fingers permanently crossed for success.
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Post by LPL on Oct 2, 2013 21:59:50 GMT 1
Ron, you have hit the nail on the head with your points, what concerns me at this time is that not long after this was announced the Mayor of Liverpool was on TV being interviewed about the massive financial cuts that are going too have to be made as they reckon only essential services will be able to be covered ? that seems to be at odds with what he was stating not that long ago about the Council purchasing this building and moving \council staff into the building. Tonight he was again on NW News talking about the costly 6 month renovation of the burned out part of Croxteth Hall. Magnificent job and building. Must have cost a fortune to undertake. Two things there. 1 The purchase of the Cunard Building is entirely funded by the sell off of the councils Millennium House and the saving of rent housing staff in other buildings such as The Capital. 2 The renovation work was funded by the Croxteth Estate Endowment Trust Fund not the council.
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Post by LPL on Oct 2, 2013 22:01:51 GMT 1
Not necessarily, LPL, The owners,(The city council) may decide to sub contract the operation of the cruise terminal to a competent authority. probably an organisation familiar with providing customer handling and customer service, such as an Airport handling company, one of the cruise lines,Virgin group or something like that. It would be an irony if the operating of the terminal was put out to tender and it was won by somebody such as Manchester Airport Group. Now, there's a bad thought! As I said in my post, they run it now and nothing has been said or suggested things change when its moved into the Cunard Building.
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Post by Biggles on Oct 2, 2013 22:29:53 GMT 1
Lpl, let's hope that your optimism about what Councils say and do are matched to the positive hopes of Ron and myself and most of Merseyside.
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Post by LPL on Oct 2, 2013 23:28:55 GMT 1
The city council has been the driving force behind the entire project, they said they would bring back turnround cruises to the city and they have done it despite Sotons best efforts to stop it.
I expect that they, Soton, will also object to the use of the Cunard Building too.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 3, 2013 19:19:38 GMT 1
It used to have some magnificent models of ships in glass cases in the centre of the hall, including one of the Titanic (I wonder who's got that now?)
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Post by Deleted on Oct 3, 2013 20:03:52 GMT 1
It used to have some magnificent models of ships in glass cases in the centre of the hall, including one of the Titanic (I wonder who's got that now?) Thanks ste That could be the one. Well at least it's gone to a good home and not some former director's study.
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