A proposal to grant New Town status to an area between north Liverpool and Bootle in Sefton is gaining momentum. Liverpool City Region reports that the government has been urged to support the initiative, which could see the creation of 10,000 new homes, plus better transport links to the inner city region.
The deprived area consists of 5km of underused brownfield land that has fallen into decline. The new affordable housing and amenities would have transport links to other regeneration projects such as the Northern Docks. This waterside part of Liverpool has seen the development of new office space, homes, and leisure facilities in a postindustrial site.
Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram, said: “Liverpool North is one of the biggest regeneration opportunities in the country right now – bigger even than Old Trafford – and its potential to transform lives is enormous.”
He added: “We’re talking about 10,000 new homes, thousands of jobs, and a chance to turn round the fortunes of communities that have been held back for far too long.”
“We have a real chance to work hand in hand with our government to deliver the kind of joined-up, long-term investment that changes lives. New Town status would be a real catalyst to kickstart that transformation.”
Alongside homes, new infrastructure would be created to allow people to access jobs across the region more easily. One possibility is a new railway station to support movement and economic growth. The plans are currently being drawn up, and include involvement from Homes England and Liverpool FC and Everton FC.