To reflect its globally important status as a World Heritage Site and as part of Liverpool’s 2008 European Capital of Culture celebrations, the famous Pier Head area of Liverpool has been transformed into a vibrant and memorable contemporary public space.With the ‘Three Graces’ historic waterside buildings as its backdrop, the 16,000sqm public realm facing the Mersey has become an exciting space incorporating vibrant sunken water basins as part of a new canal link and revitalized open-air performance area. The site is within the context of an AECOM led regeneration masterplan for the World Heritage Site, including a landmark new Museum of Liverpool Life and a mixed-use development of homes, shops and offices to the south, along with a remodeled ferry terminal. The project was officially opened by the Major of Liverpool in October 2008. The project won the RIBA/CABE Public Space award, Britain's highest honor for public space in the UK.