Case Study Of City Regeneration (Liverpool)

Why was it necessary 

In the past, Liverpool has been a huge port (18^th and 19^th centuries), a leader of popular culture (1960s) and was badly affected by industrial decline (late 20^th century). Liverpool experienced economic as well as social deprivation along with high levels of crime and vandalism in the 1980s.

What was done?

The 19^th century former derelict Albert Dock has been revamped into shops and cafes as a tourist attraction and opened in 1988. It now attracts over 4 million visitors a year.

                The Merseyside Development Corporation reclaimed 4km² of derelict land by creating housing and thousands of new jobs in the city after the race riots in 1981.

                Since 2003, after being awarded the status of European Capital of Culture 2008, the city centre has been transformed with major investment. Nearly £4 billion was invested in the regeneration and the economy of the city has been boosted by £800 million additional income in 2008 alone.

The waterfront was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2004, reflecting the area’s historic importance as a trading port. The whole of the waterfront has been regenerated for a second time including, among other things, the re-building of the Museum of Liverpool Life.

                In the city centre, the RopeWalks area has developed as the centre for the city’s growing night life and creative industries since the early 1990s. During the 20^th century, the central docks and a**ociated industries declined leaving the area unattractive for many years as it has large amounts of derelict and vacant warehouses and land.

Who are the key players and stakeholders?

Much of the regeneration has been led by Liverpool Vison, an urban regeneration company. To attract the £4 billion needed for regeneration it worked with public sector stakeholders such as Liverpool City Council, English Partnerships and North West Regional Development Agency as well as companies in the private sector like JP Morgan, Peel Holdings, Barclays Wealth Management and the Grosvenor Group.

How successful has it been?

Over 15 million visitors came to the city in 2008 for the 7 000 cultural events in the year.            The number of visitors broke records at all of Liverpool’s visitor attractions and attendances increased 30% at Albert Dock venues.

                Liverpool is now better placed to be a rival to some of its competitors since places like Liverpool One (a shopping centre) have boosted its retailing allowing it to compete with shopping amenities in nearby cities like Manchester.  Also, the city attracts conferences and concerts which would have gone elsewhere due to the Liverpool Arena and Convention centre.

                The city is still able to promote its distinctive maritime and cultural character attracting more visitors by keeping its brand unique of which these tourists have made Liverpool one of the ten most visited destinations in the UK.

Liverpool Regeneration - 

5 Reasons Why…