No ordinary television, it will be 25 square metres and will be switched on 24 hours a day in Clayton Square.

The mammoth screen will broadcast a mixture of BBC programmes and news, major sports events, music concerts and more; including digital shorts produced within the region.

Highlights will include live feeds of Wimbledon, The Grand National, Last Night of the Proms, The Eurovision Song Contest, World Cup and Test the Nation.

BBC Big Screen in Manchester during Euro 2004

It's hoped it will be up and running in time for the Olympics in August.

Similar screens have already been placed in Manchester and Birmingham, and have proved to be a huge hit with the public, attracting thousands of people per day.

The BBC's Project Director of Live Events, Bill Morris, said, "We're excited by this chance to explore a completely new public service of information and entertainment delivered right to the heart of the city.

"The Liverpool screen is the latest of its type and includes many new developments which have grown out of the other two screens in Manchester and Birmingham.

"This is an exciting time for Liverpool as it prepares to become European Capital of Culture 2008 and the Big Screen is expected to play a part in this chapter in the life of the city."

The technology which is used ensures the sound is confined to a tight zone directly in front of the screen, and the volume will be muted overnight.

The 'Big Screen' project is a joint venture between the city council, the BBC and equipment manufacturers Phillips.