Part of Liverpool could become a World Heritage site, ranking alongside the Taj Mahal and the Great Wall of China.

The city's waterfront and commercial centre is the UK's only current nomination for the prestigious designation.

According to Thursday's announcement, the Department of Culture, Media and Sport will now recommend the city to the United Nations.

The waterfront is dominated by the Three Graces - the Liver, Port of Liverpool and Cunard buildings - which have greeted travellers to the city since its heyday as an international port.

Britain could not have a more outstanding nomination for a new World Heritage site Councillor Mike Storey, Liverpool City Council

Announcing the bid, arts minister Tessa Blackstone said: "It is right that Britain's world famous industrial past be recognised, preserved and protected.

"I am delighted to give my full support to Liverpool's nomination for World Heritage Site status.

"Liverpool is already a world famous city - World Heritage status would help to bring alive its magnificent industrial heritage to a new international audience."

The area covered by the nomination bid includes the Pier Head, the Albert, Stanley and Wapping Docks, the Castle Street, Dale Street and Old Hall Street commercial district, the William Brown Street cultural quarter and the warehouses of Lower Duke Street.

'Imposing' waterfront

If the city is granted the status, it is expected to boost tourism and investment.

Councillor Mike Storey, leader of the Liverpool Council, said: "This is magnificent news for Liverpool.

"Britain could not have a more outstanding nomination for a new World Heritage site.

"There are few examples of world-beating architecture that can match Liverpool's imposing waterfront and its cultural buildings."

Britain's current World Heritage Sites include the Tower of London, Stonehenge and Hadrian's Wall.

Worldwide sites include Venice, the Kremlin, the Great Barrier Reef and Vatican City.