Bagnalls Delivers Art Deco Refresh for Liverpool’s George’s Dock
02 March 2026
A Grade II-listed art deco building, designed by Herbert Rowse in the 1930s, Liverpool’s George’s Dock Building is a true historical landmark. The Bagnalls team was thrilled to be appointed as the contractor of choice on this unique painting and decorating project!
We carried out a refresh of all external lighting columns, street furniture and doorways associated with George’s Dock, as well as the redecoration of all internal communal areas and stairwells, many of which were in states of serious disrepair.
As this was such an extensive project, our onsite operatives and management team had quite a task on their hands! The first step was to ensure safe access to all areas of the project, which was facilitated via working-at-height equipment – including stair towers, van mounts and alloy mobile towers – all operated by our specially trained team.
George’s Dock is occupied by several organisations – including Merseytravel, The Liverpool Region Combined Authority and the Mersey Tunnel Police – so it was vital that all work be completed to the time parameters provided. Bagnalls achieved this, ensuring that work was avoided during busy office hours.
The George’s Dock Building is also home to a lovely tour, charting the various pieces of equipment used in the Mersey Tunnel for ventilation. Therefore, it is visited daily by a high volume of tourists, so we made sure that all work areas were cordoned off to prevent any unauthorised access.
With all communal areas undergoing a refresh, the team also had to ensure that the space was safe for both the public, any staff and our painting team at all times. This was important for the continuation of daily routines, but also in case of an emergency or evacuation.
Once the painting work itself could begin, we made sure to prepare all surfaces in accordance with the substrate that was being painted. Dulux Trade products were used throughout, across all internal walls and ceilings. Dulux Zinc Phosphate primer and Dulux Metalshield were applied to all street furniture and lighting columns.
Our skilled painters ensured that intricate detailing was picked out in gold, using Ardenbrite Metallic Gold No. 8, coated with Ardenbrite Clear Glaze.
Variable temperatures, both internally and externally, led to a necessary flexibility in scheduling, as well as additional quality assurance measures. Despite these changeable conditions, the Bagnalls team worked collaboratively to deliver the project to the timelines expected by the customer.
We’re very proud of the outcome of this unique project, with the completed painting works enhancing the original architectural features of this incredible art deco building. We hope that plenty of tourists continue to enjoy this Liverpool landmark! Got a heritage decorating project you feel would benefit from our expertise? Get in touch today on 01274 714 800, find your local branch or contact our National Painting Division, specifically designed to deliver central management for UK-wide jobs.