Paul McCartney hails 'extraordinary' plans for a Liverpool Beatles attraction 'to rival Graceland and Dollywood' in 2028

Apple Corps, the company the Fab Four founded in 1968, will take over the Beatles Story at Albert Dock in 2027. A year later it is due to move to the empty former St Johns Market opposite Lime Street station, quadrupling its footprint. Recreations of the Cavern, Abbey Road and Shea Stadium will use props from Sam Mendes' four Beatles films. The disused St Johns Beacon is set to become a Yellow Submarine-themed viewpoint.

Sir Ringo Starr on the expansion: 'How far out. The beat goes on.'

Andy Burnham called it 'the kind of ambition I want to see more of across Britain'.

Money from every ticket will fund a new Apple Corps Liverpool Trust for local artists.