Member Article

New Book Celebrates Liverpool’s World Heritage Site

Liverpool’s UNESCO World Heritage status has been celebrated with the publication of a new book which has been launched by the city’s elected Mayor Joe Anderson.

The 116 page publication, Liverpool: World Heritage City, edited by heritage expert Peter de Figueiredo, explores the past, present and future of the World Heritage Site which covers six distinct areas of the city centre which have ‘outstanding universal value, authenticity and integrity’.

World Heritage Status was bestowed upon the city in 2004 by UNESCO but today finds itself on the list of heritage sites in danger.

The new book, published by the Bluecoat Press, has been made possible through the patronage of a series of key city private and public sector organisations which share an enthusiastic belief in the benefits World Heritage status brings to the city. Those parties include: Liverpool City Council and English Heritage and, representing the private sector, Peel Holdings, Liverpool One, architects Broadway Malyan, owner of Albert Dock; Gower Street Estates, Harcourt Developments and the Liverpool Waterfront Business Partnership.

The book was written by Professor Ian Wray, John Hinchliffe, Peter de Figueiredo and Rob Burns, was designed by Planit.ie LLP and also includes a foreword from Sir Neil Cossons, the former chairman of English Heritage.

The book’s 10 chapters first set the city’s built environment into historical context before examining in detail each of the six city areas which are included in the World Heritage Site. These are: Pier Head, Albert Dock, Stanley Dock, Castle Street / Historic Commercial District, William Brown Street / Cultural Quarter and Lower Duke Street / Merchant’s Quarter. The book’s concluding chapter looks towards the future protection of the World Heritage Site and its special character in a living city.

Professor Ian Wray, Chair of the Liverpool World Heritage Site Steering Group and visiting fellow at the University of Liverpool’s Heseltine Institute for Public Policy and Practice, said: “This book is like nothing else in existence. Much has been written about Liverpool’s great individual buildings and some of the people responsible for them, but to bring together the story of the World Heritage Site for the first time is an important moment in recording and celebrating the rich heritage of the city’s built environment.

“There is a tremendous amount of information packed into its pages which will have interest for the general reader and for those with a specific interest in the development and protection of arguably the most important historic port city on the country’s West coast.”

Speaking ahead of the official book launch, Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said: “This book is a timely reminder that Liverpool is and has been for more than 200 years an important world city which is reflected in the majesty of our waterfront and our great buildings and people. It’s an excellent book which marks a decade of having World Heritage status and I congratulate those who have written and produced it.”

Ian Pollitt, Peel Holding’s development investment surveyor who was instrumental delivering the project added: “The finished product is an extraordinary piece of work of which we are all incredibly proud. World Heritage Status is a key element underpinning the city’s national and international profile and we are delighted to celebrate it in this way.

“We look forward to seeing the book gracing many coffee tables and receptions around the city.”

The book is available immediately for £9.99 from outlets in the city.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Robert Allat .