English Partnerships - Mixed-Use Development - Liverpool, Lime Street
Date: 04 Oct 2004
Plans have been unveiled for the multi-million-pound transformation of Liverpool's Lime Street Gateway into a world-class entrance to the city in time for European Capital of Culture celebrations in 2008.
The Gateway area encompasses the railway station and the landmark Concourse Tower, which was recently acquired by national regeneration agency English Partnerships on behalf of City Centre Regeneration Company Liverpool Vision.
Liverpool Vision and English Partnerships, together with Network Rail and Liverpool City Council, are working to deliver the project which will include the creation of new public space at the front of the station, the construction of a new landmark building to replace the Concourse Tower, and improvements to the operational capability of the station.
The project is being co-ordinated by the Urban Regeneration Company Liverpool Vision on behalf of the partners. English Partnerships is the lead public investor.
Eliot Lewis-Ward, Area Director for Merseyside and Cheshire with English Partnerships, said, "Lime Street is one of Liverpool's most important locations and, for many visitors, it provides their first impression of the city. With this magnificent setting we have the opportunity to create a new landmark for Liverpool that is as distinctive as the city's waterfront. We are working to transform this gateway so that it provides the city with the introduction and welcome it deserves.
"The listed Victorian gable-end of the station will be unmasked through the demolition of the concourse shops and tower. The office accommodation is currently of poor quality and is generally considered to be inappropriate for such great surroundings."
Martin Wright, Development Director for Liverpool Vision, said, "Lime Street Gateway is one of Liverpool Vision's key action areas and will act as a catalyst to wider regeneration of the Lime Street area.
"At the moment the Gateway does not project the welcome or appearance expected of a European Capital of Culture and we now have the opportunity to deliver a world-class scheme that will become a focal point for the city.
"The proposed scheme retains the elegance of the original Victorian facade, and combines a new public space with an impressive new landmark building. We have made very encouraging progress on the design and we would like as many people as possible to give us their views at the public exhibition which will run at the Liverpool Empire Theatre over the next few days."
Cllr Mike Storey, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said, "It is vitally important that in the run-up to 2008 when more and more visitors are coming to Liverpool, that Lime Street presents a first-class welcome to the city. I would hope that these plans are viewed by as many people as possible to see how a new look to this important gateway - in keeping with a World Heritage Site - can be created."
Deborah Richards, Director Railway Estates of Network Rail, said, "The new gateway to Lime Street will improve access to the station and further enhance the facilities available. The scheme reveals the magnificent station entrance, and will immensely improve the transport interchange for visitors and travellers to Liverpool."
The plans have been sensitively designed, taking into account the fact that the site is in a designated conservation area and was recently granted World Heritage status. This exemplar development will meet the highest standards in terms of design, environmental impact and sustainability.
The scheme is currently expected to start on site in early 2006 and be completed by the end of 2007. The station will remain fully operational throughout.
A public exhibition of the plans and examples of how the partners believe the project could look will be held at Liverpool Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool, L1 1JE. It will be open 11am-7:30pm from Friday 1 October to Thursday 7 October (except for 2-3 October when it will close at 4pm).
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