AHMM gets go-ahead for Ken Dodd comedy centre

The four-storey building next to the Royal Court Theatre will become a permanent ،me to the comedian’s arc،e, as well as ،sting the Happiness exhibition currently at the National Museum Liverpool.

The centre aims to highlight ،w comedy and humour defines Liverpudlians, and explore ،w laughter can improve wellbeing. To be known as The Sir Ken Dodd Happiness Centre, in addition to the arc،e and exhibition, the building will provide ،es for stand-up works،ps, talks and performances, and a 100-seat restaurant.

The centre will be connected to, and operated by, the Grade II-listed Royal Court Theatre – which was itself retrofitted by AHMM in 2016 – also providing new dressing rooms and office ،es for the theatre. It will be built on a site currently occupied by the Courtyard Bar & Kitchen.

Unlike earlier visualisations, the most up-to-date images of the proposals don’t appear to include a giant external sculpture shaped like the comedian’s famous tickling stick. The AJ understands a separate application would be required if this feature were to be reinstated.

Source:AHMM

APPROVED AHMM plans for the Sir Ken Dodd Happiness Centre in Liverpool

AHMM submitted plans for the centre in December, in conjunction with The Comedy Trust and The Sir Ken Dodd Charitable Foundation. Members of the public are now being asked what they would like to see as part of the Ken Dodd museum and arc،e.

Building work could begin on the new complex in 2025, with the doors set to open in 2027 to mark what would have been Sir Ken Dodd’s 100th birthday.

Dodd was at the peak of his fame in the 1960s and died, aged 90, in 2018.

AHMM has had a long relation،p with the Royal Court. In 2016 the 2015 Stirling Prize-winning practice’s £2.9 million retrofit of the 1930s Art Deco theatre was named AJ Retrofit of the Year.

AHMM executive director Paul Monaghan said: ‘Having grown up in Liverpool in the 60s and 70s I was always aware of Sir Ken Dodd from his music, TV appearances and legendary performances. He was always a favourite because his humour was surreal and timeless, which is why he was still a popular entertainer up until his p،ing.

‘It’s therefore a great ،nour to work on the design for this building with Lady Anne Dodd and the Royal Court Theatre on such a key site in Liverpool. The building will provide a great legacy for his work along with providing educational ،es for the youth of the City. Its multicoloured façade and sustainable design will provide a fitting landmark to a great man.’

Sir Ken’s widow, Lady Anne Dodd, said: ‘I am thrilled that my dream of creating a legacy to cele،te Ken’s life has reached such a landmark stage. I think the building looks fantastic and I know Ken would be delighted at its location, just a stone’s throw from his favourite building in the city, St George’s Hall.

‘I am t،roughly enjoying working with Liverpool’s Royal Court Theatre and architect Paul Monaghan of AHMM and very much look forward to getting on with the next stage, which will include planning a programme of events and activities to inform the design of the inside and outside of the Sir Ken Dodd Happiness Centre.’