A major regeneration proposal to create a new town, known as 'Liverpool North', has been excluded from a government shortlist for future development projects. Despite the decision, regional leaders have affirmed their commitment to pursuing the ambitious plan, which aims to revitalise a 5km stretch of land from north Liverpool into Bootle.
Key Takeaways
- The UK government did not select the 'Liverpool North' proposal for its list of 12 potential new town locations.
- The plan involves transforming brownfield sites across areas including Kirkdale, Everton, Anfield, and Bootle.
- Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram expressed frustration but vowed to continue with regeneration efforts.
- Leaders from Liverpool City Council and Sefton Council have also pledged to find alternative ways to deliver the project.
- The development area includes key projects like Everton FC's new stadium and the Bootle New Strand transformation.
Government Rejects 'New Town' Bid
Plans for a significant urban renewal project in Merseyside have encountered a major hurdle. The government has officially announced a shortlist of 12 locations being considered for the next wave of 'New Town' developments, and the ambitious 'Liverpool North' proposal was not included.
The bid, submitted by Liverpool City Council, outlined a vision to create a new, cohesive town stretching from the northern edge of the city centre into the neighbouring borough of Sefton. The rejection of this bid means the project will not receive the specialised support and status that government designation provides.
Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram described the decision as a setback for communities he feels have been historically overlooked. He stated his deep disappointment with the outcome.
"I’m incredibly frustrated that our Liverpool North New Town bid hasn’t been taken forward. This is one of the biggest regeneration opportunities in the country — and today’s decision is a missed chance for government to back communities that have been overlooked for far too long."
The Vision for Liverpool North
The Liverpool North proposal is one of the most significant regeneration strategies conceived for the region in recent years. The plan aims to redevelop a vast corridor of primarily brownfield land, creating thousands of new homes and revitalising entire neighbourhoods.
The proposed area covers a 5-kilometre stretch, encompassing parts of Everton, Anfield, and Kirkdale in Liverpool, and extending into Bootle in South Sefton. This large-scale project was designed to connect and uplift communities across two local authority boundaries.
What is New Town Status?
New Town status is a formal designation granted by the UK government to areas targeted for large-scale, planned redevelopment. This status often comes with specific funding streams, planning powers, and the creation of a development corporation to oversee the project. It is designed to accelerate the delivery of housing, infrastructure, and commercial spaces in a coordinated manner.
Anchoring Major Developments
The strategy for Liverpool North is built around several key anchor projects that are already underway or planned. These developments are seen as catalysts for wider regeneration in the area.
- Everton FC's New Stadium: The £500 million stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock is a central feature of the plan, expected to bring significant economic activity and international attention to the waterfront.
- Bootle Strand Transformation: A £20 million project is in progress to modernise and diversify the Bootle New Strand shopping centre, creating a new hub for the town.
By connecting these major investment sites, the Liverpool North plan aimed to create a seamless zone of economic growth, providing new employment, leisure, and educational opportunities for residents.
Leaders Pledge to Forge Ahead
Despite the government's decision, local leaders have presented a united front, insisting that the vision for Liverpool North will not be abandoned. They have publicly committed to finding alternative pathways to deliver the transformational change promised to residents.
Mayor Rotheram emphasised that regeneration in the area has already begun without central government backing and will continue with the same determination. He pointed to the progress at Bramley-Moore Dock and Bootle Strand as evidence of local commitment and capability.
"Regeneration here hasn’t waited for Westminster... We’ll carry on with that determination. These are proud communities, rich in history and spirit, and they deserve the same opportunities as anywhere else in the UK."
Economic Impact Potential
According to city leaders, the full realisation of the Liverpool North plan would provide a massive economic boost to the entire Liverpool City Region. The proposal includes the creation of thousands of affordable homes and the establishment of new commercial districts to support long-term employment.
Council Leaders Remain Committed
The sentiment was echoed by the leaders of the two councils whose areas would be most affected. Councillor Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, acknowledged the disappointment but stressed that inaction is not an option.
"We are absolutely committed to delivering transformational change for Liverpool North," he said. "It may take longer to achieve, but I know there is the collective determination and will to make it happen.”
Similarly, Councillor Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council, reaffirmed her commitment to the regeneration of Bootle and South Sefton. She highlighted the existing momentum from current projects as a foundation to build upon.
"Our communities deserve investment, opportunity and regeneration," Councillor Atkinson stated, adding that the council will "continue to look at ways of working with Government to bring this vision to reality.”
The Path Forward Without Government Status
The primary challenge for regional leaders now is to secure the necessary funding and coordination to implement such a large-scale plan without the benefits of official New Town status. This will likely involve a more piecemeal approach, seeking funding from various public and private sources for individual elements of the broader vision.
The focus will remain on leveraging the major ongoing projects to attract further investment into the surrounding areas. The completion of Everton's new stadium, in particular, is seen as a critical moment that could spur significant private sector interest in residential and commercial development along the North Liverpool waterfront.
While the government's decision is a significant blow to the project's intended timeline and structure, the unified message from local leaders is one of resilience. The ambition to revitalise North Liverpool and South Sefton remains a top priority, with a renewed focus on achieving it through local partnerships and alternative strategies.