Residents divided as Liverpool unveils 'fancy' Merseyfront plans |
Residents divided as Liverpool unveils 'fancy' Merseyfront plans
Liverpool council has unveiled an ambitious and controversial 30-year plan to transform the city’s historic waterfront.
An aerial view of Liverpool showing the Liver Building and the River Mersey waterfront(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool ECHO readers have heard the city is set to unveil an ambitious new vision for its historic waterfront, aiming to "reclaim the banks of the Mersey" for residents and overhaul one of the city centre’s busiest road junctions. The Liverpool Waterfront Vision outlines a 30-year plan focused on public life, sustainability, and connectivity, with the goal of reconnecting the city centre to the waterfront to make it safer, healthier, and more accessible.
A central feature is the Merseyfront Walkway, a continuous “green ribbon” linking Otterspool in the south to the Hill Dickinson Stadium in the north, serving as a social, ecological, and active-travel backbone for the city. The plan also proposes sinking traffic at the Great Howard Street–Leeds Street junction using a cut-and-cover approach, creating a surface-level pedestrian plaza and transit hub.
If approved by the council cabinet on 18 November, the Waterfront Vision will guide coordinated planning across the waterfront, supported by a Waterfront Steering Group and Design Review Panel to ensure high standards and cohesive development.
Cllr Nick Small, member for growth and economic strategy, said: "This vision is about giving Liverpool's waterfront back to its people. For too long, The Strand has been a noisy, car-dominated barrier. These proposals will create a green, welcoming boulevard prioritising pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport. It’s not just infrastructure – it’s about creating places where people feel safe, connected, and proud of their city."
Commenter Frustrated62 thinks: “All fancy stuff I’m sure but the Council needs to drive higher paid jobs by sorting out grade A office space and attracting business here as Liverpool is way behind the big 9 cities. Better paid jobs drive the economy.”
Tintray agrees: “And this brings in decent new jobs how? LCC has failed for years to deliver new office space in what was the business district,”
MrJohnson1st says: “If it was to be trusted it would be amazing, however, fixing roads, trains, transport, the infrastructure of getting people into and out of the city and to our airport seem to be a giant embarrassing elephant in the room.”
Johnsson6 writes: “I am certainly in favour of the Merseyfront Walkway, possibly even extending it beyond the Hill Dickinson stadium sometime in the future, but have serious doubts about the ‘cut and cover’ road idea.”
S.f asks: “Why not invest in the outskirts? Improve roads, pavements, street cleaning, and parking. Increase police presence. These are the services that council taxpayers deserve in a city that should be great for everyone.”
Brian Peters 1 comments: “They have messed around with this area since I was a kid and I’m now 74, from the bus terminal at Mann island and Pierhead to narrowing the Strand.
"When I was young they had a model of what they were going to do to the city centre in the museums and they’ve been chopping and changing all over and never stopped.”
Dawn Brotchie pleads: “Please don’t modernise it. It’s wonderful just as it is. Maybe make it so people could walk a little further.”
Ann Blakely is not in favour: “Another cockeyed plan! Connecting the city centre to the waterfront? It’s already connected. There are far more important things to spend money on, tackling rats, filth, litter, dog mess, and fixing potholes. The list goes on. Rant over!”
Steve Bramhill agrees: “In terms of the walkway most of it is already there.You can now walk from Otterspool to William Jessup Way (past the new Isle of Man terminal). What's left is between there and Everton's stadium, the bit that Peel are working on now.”
Are you looking forward to the new waterfront plans? Do you think it will be money well spent? Share your thoughts in our comments section.