Debate to explore future of Liverpool’s Williamson Square

Authorities in Liverpool will seek public views on the future of Williamson Square from next week.

Liverpool City Council is teaming up with Liverpool BID Company and the Everyman & Playhouse theatres to launch a consultation on reimagining and revitalising the public square.

The consultation will kick off at Liverpool Playhouse Theatre on Friday (February 23), running until April 30.

According to the council, the debate will look to encourage an open conversation. Individuals and businesses can suggest ideas for breathing new life into the open space during the daytime and evenings.

The square, initially laid out in 1745, was pedestrianised over 20 years ago. Its last upgrade was in 2004, when a £5.75m public realm programme introduced new seating, planting and a fountain.

Over £150m has since been invested in the surrounding areas, but the council believes that various changes to the city centre have left Williamson Square feeling disconnected.

The space sees high footfall but is used more as a route for cutting through from other areas.

Cllr Nick Small, Assistant Mayor of Liverpool, said: “Williamson Square is one of Liverpool’s main public open spaces and should be a vibrant gathering place but over the past decade has for various reasons lost its way and sense of purpose.

“This debate and public consultation is an ideal opportunity to have an honest conversation which, with the calibre of the major partners involved and the support of the people of Liverpool, I’ve no doubt will reset the play button and lead to some positive action – both in the short and long term.”

He added: “Liverpool city centre has made phenomenal progress over the past decade, the time has now come for Williamson Square to join the party and live up to its potential as a dynamic public space the city can be proud of.”

Liverpool BID Company boss Bill Addy commented: “Williamson Square, which falls within our Retail & Leisure BID area, has for too long been a place to hurtle through. With careful planning, it has great potential to become one of the city’s best public spaces.

“Following years of ongoing discussions with our BID levy payers in the area about how to best improve Williamson Square, it is great to see that the outcomes of these are now shaping the next phase, ensuring the square plays a greater role within the city centre, and allowing our businesses to thrive at the same time.”

Everyman & Playhouse chief exec Deborah Aydon said: “As we celebrate how far Liverpool has come since our Capital of Culture year, this is a perfect time to be shaping the future.

“This summer, we’re joining forces with the Liverpool Biennial to offer a new way to experience the Playhouse, as a starting point for exploring fresh ways for people to enjoy both the theatre and the square. We are looking forward to a conversation that is creative, inclusive, imaginative and ambitious.

Speaking further, Deborah said the square is “absolutely brimming with untapped potential”, adding: “[It is] a perfect location for cultural, social, economic and environmental advances in the years ahead.”

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