The tower was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1969.
It was designed by architect James A. Roberts, who also designed the Rotunda in Birmingham.
The base of the tower is integrated into the St Johns Shopping Centre complex.
The observation deck remains 400 feet above the ground.
The structure underwent a major refurbishment in 1999 to modernize the broadcasting facilities.
The tower replaced the Victorian-era St Johns Market, which was demolished to make way for the shopping center project.
St Johns Beacon, known locally as the Radio City Tower, is a 138-meter tall observation tower offering 360-degree views of Liverpool and the Wirral Peninsula. Constructed in 1969 as a ventilation shaft for the underlying St Johns Shopping Centre, it features a glass-enclosed observation deck 120 meters above ground level. The structure was originally designed with a revolving restaurant, though the mechanism is no longer functional. It currently serves as the broadcasting headquarters for several local radio stations in addition to its public viewing gallery. Visitors access the top level via a dedicated high-speed elevator system. On clear days, the visibility extends across the Irish Sea to North Wales and the mountains of Snowdonia. The tower has become a prominent feature of the Liverpool skyline, standing at the heart of the city's commercial district.
The north-facing side of the observation deck provides the best angle for capturing the two iconic Liverpool Cathedrals in one frame.
Check visibility forecasts online before visiting to ensure cloud cover does not obscure the skyline.
Visit on a weekday to avoid the peak crowds typically found in the adjacent shopping center.
Use the provided information placards on the viewing deck to identify distant landmarks like the Cathedrals and the River Mersey.
Do not visit during heavy fog or low cloud cover, as the elevation makes the ground level completely invisible.
Occasionally closes for private broadcast events; check local venue status before traveling.
