Council cash to kickstart £13m Monument Place transformation
Plans for the public square in Liverpool’s Fabric District will see footpaths improved, crossings upgraded and the introduction of segregated cycle lanes, while the plaza would be enhanced with an open bandstand, rain gardens, seating, paving, landscaping, and the introduction of an event space.
Liverpool City Council will invest £3.4m of Section 106 contributions towards the scheme, which would be the largest single investment through the developer levy this century, the authority said. Liverpool’s cabinet is being asked to approve the payment towards the £13m combined authority-led project today.
Improvements to active travel routes along London Road and Prescot Street to Low Hill aim to make journeys by foot or bike safer and more efficient between Liverpool Lime Street station and the city’s Fabric District.
In addition, funds from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement would upgrade the Metro service between Lime Street and Low Hill, with buses being prioritised along the route running adjacent to Monument Place.
Mott MacDonald has been appointed by LCRCA to provide technical consultancy design services for the project, while Monument Place’s reset has been jointly designed with Liverpool-based LDA Design in partnership with the Fabric District CIC.
Cllr Nick Small, cabinet member for economy and growth, Liverpool City Council, said: “I’m delighted that we have been able to make such a substantial Section 106 contribution to such a significant scheme.
“Thanks to this unprecedented funding injection, we’ll be able to realise this imaginative and creative project, which will help transform the look and feel of the Fabric District and further improve its appeal to new investors.”
A view of the Monument Place plans from above. Credit: via Liverpool City Council
Liverpool City Council has delegated the procurement process to LCRCA for reasons of efficiency and consistency, enabling the scheme to be delivered under one contract.
A consultation process has already finished, and the three-month detailed design phase follows.
Procurement of a contractor is expected over the next four months before construction starts in early 2026. It is hoped the scheme will be completed in six to 12 months.
Cllr Dan Barrington, cabinet member for transport and connectivity, Liverpool City Council, said: “Monument Place and the Metro upgrades mark a major turning point for one of Liverpool’s most vital city-centre corridors.
“This project will deliver quicker, cleaner bus services alongside a beautifully reimagined public space that works for everyone – residents, visitors, and businesses alike.
“This bold initiative demonstrates how combining smart transport with public realm improvements can fuel growth, cut emissions and create a city that’s easier to move around and healthier to live in.”
Should have a tram line to Kensington and a station here
By GetItBuilt!
Sounds good but don’t we have other gardens and water features ie fountains, that aren’t working or being maintained.
The Steble Fountain, the water feature in Williamson Square , plus the Bucket Fountain.
By Anonymous
Let’s see if the Echo, with its customary bold and positive view of where the city should be, decides once again the key issue here is that a man selling potatoes from a caravan might have to move a short distance…
Although like the new enthusiasm for MDCs across GM, is this not a sign there is now nobody in the Cunard capable of any sort of regen scheme so it has to be left to the CA to deliver?
By Rotringer
The consultation was not really a consultation – a bit of Simon O’Brien doing a video on his Brompton doesn’t really hit the spot and get to all the small businesses and market traders who populate this area – I don’t think many of them are on linked in. The market will be no more by the time the works are finished – as there seems to be no strategy for giving them another area or communicating this. The Uber/Just Eat bikes will continue to mow you down on the pavement on their e bikes as they will take the shortest route – not the dedicated route. The shops will be cut off by the cycle routes. But LCRCA only fund things that are ‘sustainable’ even if no use. As not allowed to spend the money on other things has to fulfil the criterion. Liverpool City Council need to address the declining clock tower building – which is listed. The unused toilet block. The issue with Ann Fowlers and the residents from there. Along with the side entrance to Lime Street which should have been addressed in these works as would help London Road out re footfall and making it a more friendly route.
By Lizzy Baggot
Every year there are nominees from big name architects with buildings which were demonstrably complete and occupied long before the last calender year. The Astra Zeneca hub has been occupied for a couple of years at least.
By Anonymous