£3m Liverpool city centre revamp due to start in January

A multi-million pound project to revamp one of Liverpool’s main shopping areas is due to start in the New Year.

The pedestrianised part of Parker Street, Elliot Street and Houghton Street, near the entrances to St Johns Shopping Centre, will be transformed in a £3m scheme delivered by Liverpool City Council, development consultancy Mott MacDonald and Liverpool-based design studio BCA Landscape.

The work will see the existing paving replaced with similar materials to those used on nearby Church Street, creating a uniform appearance. Additionally, the amount of street furniture will be reduced, while the large trees currently planted in the area will be removed and replaced with “more suitable” trees, according to the council.

Furthermore, the steps linking Eliot Street to Great Charlotte Street will be redesigned to include double-height steps suitable for seating.

Cllr Malcolm Kennedy, Liverpool council’s cabinet member for regeneration and transport, said of the project: “This is an important part of the city centre. It is heavily used not only by shoppers but is a key link between Lime Street and Central stations.

“It is an area which is looking tired and dated and badly needs improving. What is being planned will transform the quality of the street scene and make it a much more attractive location for shoppers and visitors.”

Funding for the work is provided through the Local Growth Fund’s sustainable transport enhancement package (STEP) programme.

Work to take out the large trees will begin in January, with the remainder due to start in February.

Access to the shops will be maintained throughout the work, which is expected to last approximately six months.