The video will start in 8 Cancel

Use your head and sign up now for the Everton FC newsletter Sign up now Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Everton majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri has jointly bought the Royal Liver Building and its world-famous rooftop Liver Birds.

And the billionaire behind Everton’s new stadium plans says the deal for the city’s best-known building shows his pride in Liverpool as a “thriving international city”.

The world-famous building was sold for £48m in February to a consortium led by international property group Corestate.

Now the ECHO can reveal that Mr Moshiri, who bought his stake in Everton a year ago, was Corestate’s partner in the deal.

It was the first time the building had changed hands since it was built in 1911.

Whenever he visits his new waterfront property, Mr Moshiri will be able to look downriver towards Bramley Moore Dock where Everton hope to build a £300m stadium .

Corestate had already vowed to invest millions in the Royal Liver Building to attract new office tenants, as Liverpool is lacking in the top-class “Grade A” offices it needs to attract new businesses and jobs .

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

And Mr Moshiri says he is proud of the potential of the building and the city.

He told the ECHO: “I am delighted to have jointly acquired the Royal Liver Building, which is a world-class property in a bustling riverfront location.

“Following my investment in Everton last year, I am confident in the prospects for Liverpool as a thriving international city and am pleased that I have been able to make this investment in such a landmark building with potential for further improvement.”

The Royal Liver Building opened in 1911 as the home of Royal Liver Assurance. In 2011 Royal Liver was taken over by larger rival Royal London, which put the building up for sale last year.

Speaking to the ECHO in February to announce the deal, Corestate founder Thomas Landschreiber described the building as “crazy and unique”.

And he said: “The next step is to invest money and get tenants for the vacant space where we see a huge opportunity for Liverpool at the moment.”