Sir Ken Dodd Happiness Centre receives planning approval 01.10.24

Planning permission has been granted by Liverpool City Council for the Sir Ken Dodd Happiness Centre.

A partnership between the Royal Court Liverpool Trust, The Comedy Trust and The Kenn Dodd Charitable Foundation, the new building will celebrate all forms of comedy and humour and provide opportunities for all to take part in a wide range of programmes, workshops and sessions with comedy, humour, health and wellbeing at the heart. A main element of The Happiness Centre will be a dedicated, permanent exhibition space to celebrate the life of Liverpool icon Sir Kenn Dodd, charting his remarkable career as comedian, singer, actor and entertainer and his enduring impact on the comedy scene.

AHMMs 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 passing.

It’s therefore a great honour 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 spaces 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 Dodd, said “I am thrilled that my dream of creating a legacy to celebrate 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 thoroughly enjoying working with Liverpool’s Royal Court 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.”