Liverpool plots SRF for Central Station

A team led by architect Hawkins Brown will develop a strategic regeneration framework to guide development around the city’s busiest transport gateway.

Working alongside Network Rail property division Platform4, Hawkins\Brown will lead a design team in shaping a long-term vision for the Central Station area.

Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is planning a shjake-up of rail services through Central, which LCC said would act as a catalyst for redevelopment.

The framework will be led by Liverpool City Council, working with Platform4 and Network Rail as a joint client, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and in collaboration with key partners, landowners and stakeholders.

Liverpool Central welcomes more than 14.8m passengers a year. The plan for the Central Station SRF is to outline how land is used, how public spaces are shaped, and how people and vehicles move through the area. It will also set out principles for future development and regeneration opportunities.

The 86-acre project has been chosen as a pilot project for the Government’s reformed Green Book appraisal process, aimed at unlocking a £5bn transformation of the station and surrounding area.

Set out as the fundamental design principle is to seamlessly integrate the station with Liverpool Lime Street and connect Merseyrail services with national rail services, in a similar way that London’s King’s Cross and St Pancras stations operate together as a transport hub.

LCR Mayor Steve Rotheram secured £95m from government in March to support plans to develop the business case for major regeneration projects, including Liverpool Central.

The combined authority is now liaising with the Department for Transport on the projects and is working with LCC and partners to submit a full place-based business case to government in the summer.

A programme of site analysis, engagement and technical work will now begin to inform the emerging vision.

The SRF will:

• Set out an ambitious long term vision for the Central Station area
• Establish planning and design principles to guide future high-quality development
• Identify opportunities to enhance public realm, connectivity and accessibility including for active travel
• Support and drive inclusive growth and investment in the city centre to create a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use neighbourhood with significant new homes

The work will consider how a welcoming gateway into Liverpool can be delivered, supporting economic activity while creating safer, greener and more legible streets and spaces.

The SRF will be developed over the coming months, with opportunities for engagement as the work progresses. Once completed, it will form an important material consideration in guiding future regeneration and development within the Central Station area.

Cllr Nick Small, cabinet member for growth and economy at Liverpool City Council, said: “The SRF is about shaping the places around the station – the streets, spaces and development opportunities – and ensuring they work together. It will provide clarity for communities, partners and investors as we plan for the long-term future of this part of the city centre.”

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “Liverpool Central is one of the busiest and most important transport gateways in the country – and the area around it should match the ambition of the city it serves.

“This is a chance for us to think bigger about the future of one of the key front doors to Liverpool – creating a greener, safer and better connected gateway that works for residents, businesses and the millions of people who pass through it every year.

“Working with Liverpool City Council and partners, we can make sure this becomes more than a transport upgrade – but a catalyst for wider regeneration, investment and opportunity in the heart of the city.”

Katie Tonkinson, partner and head of studio North at Hawkins\Brown, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to work with Liverpool City Council and partners to develop a creative, long-term vision for the city. We are truly excited to be embarking on this journey of discovery with stakeholders and local communities.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to seek transformational change at this original locus; to connect with people and initiatives across the city region, taking inspiration from around the world and raising world profile, whilst driving local aspiration and rooting our thinking in Liverpool.”