Plans lodged for new Sir Ken Dodd building in Liverpool - here's what it will look like

A brand new cultural centre could be built in Liverpool, paying tribute to the late legendary comedian Sir Ken Dodd.

Plans have been submitted to Liverpool City Council's planning department on behalf of the Royal Court Theatre and Lady Anne Dodd.

The new cultural building would annex the Royal Court Theatre in Liverpool and house a permanent exhibition to remember the life and comedy of Sir Ken, as well as workshop spaces, a restaurant, visitor amenities and an additional backstage area to supplement the theatre.

Designed by architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM), the Sir Ken Dodd Happiness Centre (SKDHC) would feature four levels, each with toilets, and a terrace lobby on the fourth floor.

It would be built on the site of The Courtyard bar on Roe Street. Planning Permission for a five-storey building on the site was granted by Liverpool City Council in 2011.

The idea for the centre is based on the Happiness! exhibit at the Museum of Liverpool, and one of the key features would be a smile shaped window, which could display LED text or signs. A sculpture inspired by Dodd’s tickling stick is also proposed for outside the venue.

In true Ken Dodd fashion, the building aims to be a 'source of enjoyment, pride and celebration'. The Design and Access statement explains: "Aiming to maximise the social value and spread happiness to the people of the Liverpool, the SKDHC will be a channel for social value.

"Firstly, the building is benevolent in nature, funded by generosity from Lady Anne Dodd and as a fundraiser-led project sought by the RCT. Secondly, construction of the building and the materials that make it should be sourced locally from the Liverpool region and its people where possible.

"Sir Ken Dodd was a Liverpool identity and it is fitting that the building that honours his life becomes a source of enjoyment, pride and celebration for the people of Liverpool throughout its construction and use."

AHMM believe the new centre to be in line with the Liverpool Local Plan, with key consideration of sustainability and community spaces.