Mayor renews call for new town status

A regeneration plan aims to transform north Liverpool and Bootle over the next decade.

Liverpool City Region mayor Steve Rotheram is urging the Government to grant new town status to fast-track development on 5km of brownfield land across Everton, Kirkdale and Anfield. 

The “once-in-a-generation” project – a collaboration involving Liverpool City Council, Sefton Council, Liverpool FC, Everton FC and Homes England – includes 10,000 new homes, improved public transport and upgraded cycling routes, with key developments focusing on the areas around Goodison Park, Anfield Stadium and the £20 million New Strand shopping centre, in Bootle.

A £5 million investment in Great Homer Street market is also expected to spark further housing growth.

Mayor Rotheram said: “Liverpool North is one of the biggest regeneration opportunities in the country right now – bigger than Old Trafford – and its potential to transform lives is enormous. 

“We’re talking about 10,000 homes, thousands of jobs and a chance to turn around the fortunes of communities that have been held back for far too long. 

“From Bootle to Kirkdale, Everton to Anfield, this is a proud part of our city region, rich in history, resilience and potential. 

“We’ve brought local leaders, football clubs, colleges and housing providers together around a single shared vision – and we’re all raring to go.

“New town status would be a real catalyst to kickstart the transformation.” 

Councillor Liam Robinson, leader of Liverpool City Council, added: “New town status for Anfield, Bootle, Everton and Kirkdale will prove to be a real game-changer and help to radically reverse decades of decline in this area.  

“This is so much more than bricks and mortar; it’s about building hope and ambition. 

“The plans for Liverpool North will act as a major catalyst for economic revival that will be felt throughout the region.” 

The plan now await Government approval from the New Towns Taskforce, which is reviewing submissions nationwide ahead of upcoming funding decisions.

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