Liverpool City Council seeks specialists for waterfront development
Liverpool City Council is to launch a search for planning and placemaking specialists to create a long-term strategy for the city’s waterfront development.
A report to the council’s committee submitted next week will seek approval for the appointment of “an exceptional team with outstanding expertise at an international level”.
The “ambitious” masterplan will look to ensure the waterfront’s “continued growth as a global destination and major economic engine”.
The strategy and masterplan will also aim to be informed by significant engagement with stakeholders such as Liverpool BID Company and the Canal and River Trust, as well as major land owners such as Grosvenor and Peel Land & Property.
Despite describing the waterfront as a “thriving destination”, the council said there are challenges around inequality and deprivation in nearby neighbourhoods, as well disparities between the demographics of the wards along and adjoining the waterfront.
The masterplan’s main aims include maximising the waterfront’s contribution to Liverpool, the city centre region and nearby neighbourhoods.
It will also look to enhance connectivity around the waterfront, delivering excellency in quality of place and urban design, and deliver sustainable, creative, and innovative solutions to address the impact of climate change.
Other aims include identifying key Infrastructure needed to support the regeneration of the waterfront, and considering measures such as public realm, public art, way marking, environmental improvements, and green infrastructure to create a sense of place along the waterfront.
The waterfront has undergone a number of developments in recent years, whilst the Royal Albert Docks, Pier Head, and Kings Dock have all seen major upgrades.
Other regenerations along the River Mersey include a housing scheme at Festival Gardens and Everton FC’s new stadium, whilst the council is also close to finalising the design and delivery strategy for Kings Dock’s further development.
Plans have also recently been lodged to revamp the Tate Liverpool gallery.
Councillor Nick Small, Liverpool City Council’s cabinet member for city development, said: “Liverpool’s waterfront supports a huge chunk of our visitor, retail and commercial economies, supporting tens of thousands of jobs and we need to be just as mindful of how we shape its future as we are proud of its past.
“The waterfront has changed dramatically in recent times, and it will continue with new developments at Festival Gardens and Bramley Moore Dock. How we ensure change continues to benefit our economy, environment and health is vital to our future success as a city.
“The appointment of the team to lead on the development of Liverpool’s waterfront strategy and masterplan has the potential to have significant impact on the city’s profile and development over the next decade.”