The future of one of the North West's biggest buildings could be decided over the next year.

Developers want to demolish the giant Stanley Dock warehouse on Liverpool's waterfront if they cannot find a buyer.

They say the towering brick-built store is becoming an eyesore and would be better pulled down to make way for a new building.

However, opponents claim it will cost millions to bulldoze the site and the money would be better spent transforming the warehouse.

Conversion possible

While other dock buildings have been converted into trendy apartments - including the nearby Albert Dock - developers say it would be difficult to revamp the Stanley warehouse.

Built in 1900, it was constructed to store tobacco. This means the warehouse has small windows and very low ceilings to provide dark, cool conditions to preserve the leafs.

But Tony Woof, from the Liverpool Architecture and Design Trust, insists the building could be converted.

He said: "There has been a considerable change in the property market in this area and it is possible to convert the warehouse into flats by taking out some of the floors and making the space bigger.

"It is a significant building and we would like to see it preserved."