Council sets out major vision for how to improve getting around the city
The road is looking for a new identity(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
A major masterplan could see key areas of Liverpool city centre transformed – including Moorfields, London Road and Castle Street. Liverpool City Council is set to approve a huge 20-year investment plan that aims to change the way people move around the city centre – aiming to increase the use of public transport and enhance public spaces for an ‘exceptional urban experience.’
The local authority says its new masterplan follows a ‘data-driven approach’ which aims to identify the next chapter in the evolution of the city centre and has identified three key mobility pillars: ‘People,’ ‘Place,’ and ‘Movement.’ which considers impact on all aspects of the city’s development and functionality.
The council hopes to make some immediate process with ‘quick wins’ followed by long-term projects. Those quick wins will involve changes to some of Liverpool city centre’s most recognised areas. They include:
Castle Street – Under the plans, the council wants to develop the Castle Street area to improve the public realm and link the business district to the city centre.
Monument Place/London Road – The local authority intends to work with the Green Bus Route team at the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and the City Development team to develop bus priority measures and improve the public realm.
Moorfields Station – It has been a long-term ambition to improve the area around Moorfields Train Station. Council officers will now proceed to develop a masterplan for the area to guide its development.
St George’s Gateway – One of the city centre’s most iconic gateways. Council chiefs want to improve the pedestrian and public transport links around the famous space.
Parking – With prices for parking set to rise in the city centre, the local authority now intends to develop a wider strategy that guides parking for the whole city.
China Town – Liverpool has the oldest Chinese community in Europe but many feel the area has now fallen on hard times. The council will now work with stakeholders on a ‘comprehensive placemaking and transport approach’.
Castle Street in Liverpool City Centre(Image: Andrew Teebay/Liverpool Echo)
The report also contains proposals to introduce a 20 mile per hour zone for roads in the core city centre. In the longer term there are proposals to change the bus routings, which would link to bus franchising and a suggested routing map that would improve connectivity across the city and its two main underground rail stations.
Speaking about the major proposals, Cllr Dan Barrington, Cabinet Member for Transport and Connectivity, said: “This Mobility Strategy presents a long-term plan for all types of movement in the City Centre.
“It creates a clear blueprint for more active and sustainable movement. One of the key aspects is the improvement of the public realm. Areas such as Castle Street and London Road will be more attractive for people and businesses, boosting the attractions that Liverpool has to offer.
“Strategies such as this are key in driving the city forward into a future that prioritises people over cars, and creates and attractive and sustainable environment for us all.”