Member Article

Work starts on Liverpool’s Commercial District improvements

A £1.4 million project to improve amenities and structures in the Commercial District of Liverpool, is underway, starting with a makeover for one of the city’s original medieval streets.

The scheme, which will see improvements to footpaths, lighting and street furniture in the district, is scheduled to take two years to complete.

Leather Lane, which connects Dale Street to Tithebarn Street, is the first of several streets to be upgraded.

The other streets to be improved will include Bixteth Street, Old Hall Street, Edmund Street, North John Street and Eberle Street.

The Commercial District BID has invested £900,000 in the programme. The funding, raised via a 1% BID levy on businesses, has been matched by Liverpool city council who are in addition to invest a further £500k into Water Street in the following year.

Jim Gill, Chairman of Liverpool’s Commercial District BID, which represents more than 900 businesses, said: “This multi-million investment in the public realm has been a big priority for the Commercial District BID. I’m delighted for the businesses, who will benefit from the upgrade, that it is now underway.

“These improvements will further enhance the appeal of the Commercial District as the place to do business in Liverpool.”

Fiona Hornsby, Licensee at Rigby’s pub and restaurant, said the investment around Leather Lane and North John Street was hugely welcome.

She added: ’‘These kind of improvements are always good for the city centre. Access is a major for any business, especially like ours, so it’s good to know what the works will not last a long time.’’

The public realm programme is part of a wider four year programme of works across the city, which includes a new city centre ‘connectivity’ scheme including new and improved signage and lighting, dedicated coach parking, more priority for pedestrians and cyclists and a review of bus routes to reduce delays (to be delivered from 2017-2019).

Councillor Malcolm Kennedy, cabinet member for regeneration and transport said: “I am very pleased that this work is getting under way. It will make a considerable difference to businesses and other city centre users and shows our commitment to improving the commercial district.”

The Liverpool BID Company is currently seeking ideas and suggestions from businesses on what they would like to see happen in the Commercial District over the next five years.

The Commercial District BID is drafting a business plan to develop the district up to 2021. It will be seeking a renewal ballot in March 2016.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .