Liverpool is set to receive £7m of funding to improve connectivity and public spaces in the centre, the Liverpool Echo reports. It is part of a five-year development plan, which is led by the Liverpool Business Improvement District (BID). £1.2m will be invested each year, to improve the environment for those who work, shop, and live in the city.
The Echo reports that when the pubs, shops and restaurants reopened on 12 April, some 200,000 people visited the city centre. Despite the cold weather, this was a bigger return than the 135,584 figure recorded last July after restrictions were lifted. The promising turnout indicates that Liverpool will bounce back strongly from the lockdown.
The immediate plans for the area include improvements to St John’s Gardens and Derby Square, and enhanced connectivity between the waterfront and Lime Street, including better pedestrian access.
Bill Addy, CEO of Liverpool BID Company, said: “The work we have done over the past 16 years has helped to transform Liverpool city centre. With investment in the public realm, in improving connections have helped to make the city centre a better place to live, work and visit for everyone.”
Future plans could involve extra areas being included, such as the waterfront and St George’s Quarter. A Subvention Fund has also been established to attract conferences and business events to the city. It will also represent the city at global forums, such as the Global Business District Innovation Club.
There will be a focus on highlighting the creative heritage of the city, such as the ‘Pool of Life’ across Whitechapel, which is set to become the key route from William Brown St to the Royal Albert Dock. The scheme will work with local artists for Christmas decorations and other seasonal events, and provide extra police and street rangers to keep the city safe.
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