McCartney and Starr back expanded Beatles attraction for Liverpool

Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr have backed plans for a new Beatles attraction in Liverpool, with the expanded experience due to open in 2028 in a former city-centre market and a nearby tower.

The Beatles Story museum will move from Albert Dock to the former St John’s Market Hall, vacant since the market closed in 2024. The 100,000 sq ft site would be more than four times the size of the current attraction, according to the BBC. A separate Yellow Submarine experience is planned for St John’s Beacon, the former Radio City tower. [1]

Apple Corps, which manages the band’s creative and business interests, is due to take over operating The Beatles Story in 2027, before the move the following year. The attraction will use immersive technology, original artefacts and recreated sets to trace the band’s journey from post-war Liverpool through Hamburg, the Cavern Club, Beatlemania and international success, Apple Corps said. [1]

Apple Corps chief executive Tom Greene compared the proposed destination with Graceland and Dollywood, saying it would be a world-class place for fans to visit in the city where the Beatles’ story began. McCartney said he could not wait for people to “step into our story”. Starr called Liverpool “Music City” and welcomed plans for ticket proceeds to support emerging local artists. [1]

The project is a partnership between Apple Corps, Liverpool City Council and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, with support from central government. The Beatles Story has been based at Albert Dock since 1990. [1]