Prime Minister Andy Burnham has given his backing to the first ever official Beatles fan experience, which will open in Liverpool in 2028.
New Venue and Collaboration
A collaboration between Apple Corps, the Liverpool combined authority, and central government will see the long-running attraction move from its current home in Liverpool's Albert Dock to a brand-new 100,000 square foot site in the heart of the city at St Johns Shopping Centre, directly opposite Lime Street station.
The Beatles Story promises to use immersive technology, original artefacts, and film sets from the four upcoming Sam Mendes directed biopics to bring the Beatles' story to life.
Economic Impact and Comparisons
Likened to Elvis Presley's home Graceland or Dollywood in the US, the new attraction is expected to create thousands of jobs, bring in more tourism, and major investment into the UK.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: "The Beatles are one of the greatest examples of what Britain can give to the world.
"This is the kind of ambition I want to see more of across Britain: backing the things our great cities do best and turning that global reputation into jobs, opportunity and growth. This will be a world-class addition to Liverpool and another showcase for British music and creativity on the international stage.
"But the best legacy we can give The Beatles is to make sure theirs isn't the last great British success story to begin this way. Talent exists in every part of our country; opportunity still doesn't. I want the next generation of young artists, wherever they grow up, to believe there is a route from their bedroom, rehearsal room or local venue to the very top of the world. The fact that this project will help open those doors makes it even more special."
Visitor Experience and McCartney's Reaction
During a multi-hour experience, visitors will journey through the world that created The Beatles, from the streets of post-war Liverpool, through their formative years in Hamburg and the explosion of Beatlemania, to the heights of their international fame.
Sir Paul McCartney added: "It's very exciting to me that The Beatles Story and The Beacon are being transformed in such an exciting way in the heart of Liverpool city.
"I love Liverpool. It's part of who I am, it's part of who The Beatles are. If you'd told us this was going to happen when we were hanging out and getting started we'd never have believed it. The extraordinary plans the Apple Corps team have shown me for The Beatles Story take me right back to that journey, from Liverpool to the world and back home again.
"It couldn't have happened without Liverpool and I can't wait for people to be able to step into our story and share the experience."
Apple Corps Ltd - the company set up by The Beatles - will take over the running of The Beatles Story in its current location in 2027, before moving the attraction to St Johns in 2028.
