Fourth Grace

The Fourth Grace was a planned development to be built on the Liverpool Pier Head, as a part of the Liverpool European Capital of Culture 2008 bid.

Three proposals were submitted, all of which received criticism for their appearance and contrast to the city's famed historic skyline. What was seen as one of the most likely developments for the site was named the 'Fourth Grace Foster' (named after architects Foster and Partners), at 145 m (476 ft) tall it would have completely overshadowed the Three Graces. The building would have contained some 500 apartments alongside a 100 room 5* hotel. A number of other proposals around the theme of becoming the city's 'Fourth Grace' were also drawn up. Edward Cullinan Architects proposed a 135 m (443 ft) tall mixed use building - entitled 'Fourth Grace 1 Cullinan'. Another ambitious design came from architect firm Alsop who submitted the 'Fourth Grace Towers', a Zoomorphic style 118.50 m (389 ft) tall building.

The winning entry, named "The Cloud", was designed by the architect Will Alsop. However, it was beset with difficulties, and was cancelled in 2004 due to spiralling costs. Currently, it has been relocated to Toronto, Canada, where preliminary construction work is being undertaken.

The project name is due to the development being located adjacent to the three historic buildings at the Pier Head site, known as "the Three Graces". These are the Port of Liverpool Building, the Cunard Building and the Royal Liver Building.

All ideas were eventually scrapped in favour of the Mann Island Development.