Landmark development will transform the former St Johns Market into a world-class visitor attraction, bringing a new chapter to one of Liverpool’s most iconic destinations.

St Johns Shopping Centre is set to become home to one of Liverpool’s most exciting new cultural attractions, following the announcement of ambitious plans to create a spectacular new Beatles experience in the heart of the city.

The landmark development, backed by Sir Paul McCartney and Sir Ringo Starr, will see the former St Johns Market transformed into a 100,000 sq ft immersive visitor attraction, celebrating the extraordinary story and global legacy of Liverpool’s most famous band.

Scheduled to open in 2028, the attraction is expected to become a major international destination, bringing Beatles fans from across the world to St Johns and creating exciting opportunities for the shopping centre, its retailers and the wider Liverpool economy.

The ambitious proposals also include plans to transform the iconic St Johns Beacon into a Yellow Submarine-themed visitor experience, offering spectacular panoramic views across the city.

The announcement has already attracted widespread international attention, with coverage across major news and entertainment outlets including the BBC, The Guardian, Billboard, Variety and The Hollywood Reporter, further reinforcing Liverpool’s reputation as a global destination for music, culture and tourism.

For St Johns Shopping Centre, which has been at the heart of Liverpool’s retail landscape for generations, the development represents a significant milestone in its evolution and an opportunity to welcome an entirely new audience of visitors.

Neil Ashcroft, Centre Director at St Johns Shopping Centre, said:

“This is absolutely fantastic news for St Johns and for Liverpool. The Beatles are such an important part of our city’s identity, and to have a world-class attraction celebrating their incredible legacy right here at St Johns is something we’re enormously excited about.

St Johns has been part of Liverpool life for generations, and this announcement marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the centre. The transformation of the former market, alongside the plans for our iconic Beacon, has the potential to create something truly special.

The opportunity to welcome visitors from across the world to St Johns is incredibly positive for our retailers, neighbouring businesses and the wider city centre. It’s not just about creating a new tourist attraction; it’s about bringing new energy, investment and opportunities to this part of Liverpool.

We’re proud to be part of a city that continues to reinvent itself while celebrating the heritage that makes it so special, and we can’t wait to see these ambitious plans become a reality.”

Located directly opposite Liverpool Lime Street station, St Johns occupies a prime position at one of the city’s busiest gateways, making it ideally placed to benefit from the anticipated increase in visitors.

The development also presents significant opportunities to strengthen the relationship between tourism and retail, encouraging visitors to explore the centre’s shops, food and drink offer and surrounding attractions.

As Liverpool continues to build on its reputation as a world-leading cultural destination, the new Beatles experience represents a major investment in the city’s future, with St Johns positioned at the heart of this exciting transformation.

The Beatles are coming home and a new era for St Johns is on the horizon.