Hits Radio Liverpool will leave its historic residence at Radio City Tower after 25 years, marking the end of an era for the station.
- Bauer Media Audio UK, the owner of Hits Radio Liverpool, has decided not to renew the lease on the tower’s space.
- The tower, originally built in 1969, has played a significant role in Liverpool’s skyline and broadcasting history.
- Greatest Hits Radio Breakfast will now broadcast nationally from Bauer’s North West hub.
- Liverpool Community Radio confirmed it would not be moving into the vacated tower space.
Hits Radio Liverpool is preparing to leave its long-standing home at the Radio City Tower, a site rich with history and significance, after a remarkable quarter-century-long tenure. This relocation comes as Bauer Media Audio UK opts not to renew its lease on this iconic space that has housed the station since 2000, following a £5m refurbishment.
Bauer Media Audio UK made the strategic decision to vacate the premises, underscoring their intention to invest in upgraded facilities that align more closely with their progressive vision and needs. For over 25 years, the tower has stood as a landmark in Liverpool, both physically towering above the city at 453 feet and symbolically as a broadcasting beacon.
The Grade II-listed structure, opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1969, initially featured a revolving restaurant and a public observation deck. Although the restaurant closed in the 1970s due to health and safety concerns, the tower was revived two decades later when it became the new home for Radio City. This transition not only refreshed its purpose but also integrated it seamlessly into the fabric of Liverpool’s media landscape.
Effective December 24, the last broadcast from the tower will lead to a shift in operations. The Greatest Hits Radio Breakfast show is set to transition to a national broadcast format from Bauer’s North West hub. Meanwhile, the Hits Radio Liverpool Breakfast will continue its local broadcasts from another site within the city, maintaining its regional presence.
In a notable development regarding the tower’s future use, Liverpool Community Radio has publicly clarified that it has no intentions to relocate to the soon-to-be-empty space. This announcement was made through their social media channels, dispelling any circulating rumors regarding their potential move.
Despite the uncertain future that looms for the Radio City Tower, one aspect remains undisputed as Bauer Media continues its engagement with planning authorities about potential signage updates from Radio City 96.7 to Hits Radio. The station’s commitment to innovation points towards a new era of broadcasting logistics while sustaining a connection to its storied past.
The departure from Radio City Tower marks a significant directional shift for Hits Radio Liverpool as it looks towards a future of modernized broadcasting solutions.
