VIDEO | Is a new era of success on the horizon for Liverpool City Region?
With an integrated settlement due to land in April, increasing inward investment, and a growing pipeline of potentially transformative projects to deliver, now is the time for the city region to hit the accelerator, according to participants at a roundtable discussion hosted by Robertson Group.
The overarching theme of the discussion was one of togetherness. Participants spoke of a feeling that the six boroughs that make up the city region are singing from the same hymn sheet and that the private sector is lining up to collaborate.
“It is a great time to be in the city region,” said Cllr Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council. “Let’s get on with it.”
The “incredible collegiate approach” in evidence across the city region is among the reasons to be excited about the future, according to Liverpool City Council’s director of culture Claire McColgan.
This sentiment was backed up by Robertson regional managing director Paul Coyle, who said: “The sense of belonging everyone has to the city region is infectious.”
Key talking points:
- The vibes are good; participants spoke of a feeling of coherence and togetherness across the city region as the public and private sectors strive to unlock pipelines
- Specialise, specialise, specialise – leaders should focus on promoting the city region as an expert in a few areas rather than trying to be good at everything
- The University of Liverpool is working on a series of projects that could drive significant economic growth and job opportunities in years to come
- Culture could be a key driver of regeneration for the city region over the coming years, with councils keen to embrace it as part of their future plans.
To learn more about the challenges and opportunities facing Liverpool City Region, watch the video at the top of this article.
Participants
- Mark Davies, director, K2 Architects
- Tim Jones, vice-chancellor, University of Liverpool
- Claire McColgan, director of culture, Liverpool City Council
- Kate Bull, director of economic strategy, skills, and sustainability, Liverpool City Council
- Cllr Marion Atkinson, Leader, Sefton Council
- Stuart Barnes, assistant director of economic growth and housing, Sefton Council
- Sally Bloor, head of marketing and communications, Sciontec
- Lorna Green, chief executive, LYVA Labs
- Paul Coyle, regional managing director, Robertson Group
Claire McColgan has been a powerful activist for Liverpool City Region but there is so much more to be achieved by using some of our empty buildings.
The Wellington Rooms on Mount Pleasant could make a great art gallery/culture hub.
The ex ABC cinema on Lime Street could be a home for a Liverpool light opera company.
Meanwhile on our streets we could have more markets at weekends dealing in books, antiques, flowers in venues like Wolstenhome Square, Williamson Square, Chinatown, Campbell Square.
The Baltic is a great area for a variety of events in some of the old warehouse buildings but the Mayor really needs to get a move on delivering the new Baltic train station.
By Anonymous
Just about every aspect of the LCR economy is showing very strong growth, outpacing much of the UK. It really is the city to watch out for over the next 10 years.
By Anonymous
Let’s see where the LCR is by 2030. By then, Pall Mall, Littlewoods, Festival Gardens etc should be on site. The MDC in North Liverpool should be delivering by then. The Strand and Southport Event Centre should be into its later stages of development. The time for excuses for slow or no delivery is over.
By Anonymous
There is no doubt things are improving in the city region political stability in the city and the CA helps a lot.confidence around king Edward’s triangle and the airport a real boost .but still some big issues need faster delivery eg cruise liner terminal , pall mall .the infinity building , Baltic station littlewoods etc . If Place could push to find out reasons for delay it would be much appreciated and hopefully give confidence there is a plan to delver . Hope for more announcements at mipin ?
By George