Liverpool is set to become an even bigger draw for Beatles fans, with a major new immersive experience planned for the heart of the city in 2028.

The project will see The Beatles Story move from its current home at Albert Dock to the former St Johns Market site in St Johns Shopping Centre, as part of a major redevelopment.

First opened in 1990, the popular attraction has welcomed thousands of visitors over the years and picked up multiple awards. Its new home will span 100,000 square feet – more than four times the size of its current site.

Apple Corps Ltd, which manages The Beatles' creative and business interests, will take over the attraction next year as part of the plans.

Fans will also be treated to a Yellow Submarine themed 360-degree viewing experience that looks out across Liverpool from the St Johns Beacon. 

It is the second-tallest building in the city and will operate as a standalone attraction, with the option to bundle it with The Beatles Story. 

Paul McCartney expressed how 'incredible and humbling' it was that people are still interested in The Beatles.

He described the transformation of The Beatles Story and The Beacon as 'exciting'.

'I love Liverpool. It's part of who I am, it's part of who The Beatles are. If you'd told us this was going to happen when we were hanging out and getting started we'd never have believed it,' the star added.

'The extraordinary plans the Apple Corps team have shown me for The Beatles Story take me right back to that journey, from Liverpool to the world and back home again. It couldn't have happened without Liverpool and I can't wait for people to be able to step into our story and share the experience.'

Drummer Ringo Starr said: 'When we grew up in the Dingle, we never thought we'd be on a plane, much less all the places this long, long road took us. 

'I was blessed from the moment I first held a drum at 13 years old, and from then on it's been my dream to be a drummer. I remember it all so well, on Saturdays Roy (Trafford) and I would spend many great hours at the Bodega and then the Cavern.

'I have such great memories of the first band I was in – me, Eddie, and Roy were all working in the factory when we started a skiffle group. Who would have thought where the story went from there – leading to me joining the Beatles.'

Every ticket sold will go towards The Apple Corps Liverpool Trust, a charity that supports emerging Liverpool-based artists. 

Ringo added: 'The beat goes on. I also love that proceeds from every ticket will go back to support new Liverpool artists. It is great to be part of this – deep down I am still a scouser – I love what Apple (Corps) and Liverpool are doing. Peace and love, Ringo.' 

Apple Corps' CEO Tom Greene commented: 'Liverpool birthed the greatest band in history and today we are announcing a new experience in the city that does justice to that legacy.'

He compared it to Graceland – Elvis Presley's home – and Dollywood, dedicated to Dolly Parton and said: 'It's fitting that The Beatles will have a world class destination for fans to visit in the centre of the city where the story started.

'It marks a new chapter in Apple Corps' history and we can't wait for people to see what we've been working on.'

The new attraction has been backed by Prime Minister Andy Burnham too, who described The Beatles as 'one of the greatest examples of what Britain can give to the world'. 

He said: 'Four young men from Liverpool changed music and popular culture forever – and, more than sixty years later, their story is still a source of enormous pride for this city and for our whole country.

'This is the kind of ambition I want to see more of across Britain: backing the things our great cities do best and turning that global reputation into jobs, opportunity and growth. This will be a world-class addition to Liverpool and another showcase for British music and creativity on the international stage.

'But the best legacy we can give The Beatles is to make sure theirs isn't the last great British success story to begin this way. Talent exists in every part of our country; opportunity still doesn't. 

'I want the next generation of young artists, wherever they grow up, to believe there is a route from their bedroom, rehearsal room or local venue to the very top of the world. The fact that this project will help open those doors makes it even more special.'