Liverpool City Council is set to vote on a major capital investment programme aimed at improving key public services across the city. The plan includes significant funding to tackle vacant housing, modernise leisure centres, upgrade parks and playgrounds, and enhance street cleanliness.
Proposals include a £7.3 million scheme to bring hundreds of empty homes back into use and a multi-million-pound investment in community facilities. Council leaders state the funding is possible due to improved financial stability and aims to deliver better value for residents.
Key Takeaways
- A £7.3 million grant programme is proposed to renovate 365 long-term vacant properties.
- £5.2 million is allocated for the initial phase of modernising leisure centres.
- Parks and playgrounds are set to receive £4.75 million for significant upgrades.
- A £2.2 million investment will expand the city's communal bin hub system to improve street cleanliness.
- The council estimates the housing scheme alone could save £13.3 million in temporary accommodation costs.
£7.3 Million Plan to Tackle Liverpool's Empty Homes
A central part of the council's capital programme is a £7.3 million initiative designed to address the issue of vacant properties in Liverpool. The city currently has more than 10,000 homes sitting empty.
The proposed scheme will create a grant programme for landlords. This funding is intended to help them with the renovation costs required to make empty houses habitable again.
The specific target is to bring 365 properties that have been vacant for more than one year back into the housing supply. In return for the renovation grants, the city council will secure the right to nominate tenants for these homes for a period of three years.
Projected Savings
Liverpool City Council projects that this investment will generate substantial savings. By reducing the reliance on costly temporary accommodation for those in need of housing, the authority estimates it could save £13.3 million.
This approach aims to provide a dual benefit: increasing the availability of quality housing for residents while also reducing a significant financial burden on the council.
Modernising Leisure Centres and Youth Facilities
The capital programme also includes a significant focus on community health and wellbeing, with an initial £5.2 million allocated for the modernisation of leisure centres across Liverpool.
This funding will be used for tangible improvements that residents can see and use. The plans include purchasing new gym equipment, upgrading 3G football pitches, and improving reception areas to make the facilities more welcoming.
Part of a Wider Strategy
This £5.2 million investment represents the first stage of a much larger, £30 million programme. The broader strategy aims to not only upgrade existing leisure facilities but also to introduce new youth hubs throughout the city, providing dedicated spaces and services for young people.
These upgrades are intended to encourage more residents to engage in physical activity and improve the overall quality of public leisure services.
Upgrading Parks and Playgrounds with £4.75 Million Fund
Public green spaces are another key focus of the proposed spending. A total of £4.75 million has been earmarked for a series of improvements to parks and playgrounds.
The investment will fund essential upgrades to park infrastructure. This includes installing new benches, resurfacing well-used pathways to improve accessibility, and adding more litter bins to help keep the areas clean.
Focus on Children's Play Areas
A significant portion of this funding is dedicated to children's play facilities. The plan outlines the refurbishment of 23 tired playgrounds across the city.
Some of these playgrounds contain equipment that has been decommissioned following safety inspections. The new investment will allow for the replacement of old or unsafe equipment, ensuring children have safe and modern spaces to play.
Improving Street Cleanliness with Communal Bin Hubs
To address issues of waste management and street appearance, the council plans to invest £2.2 million over three years to expand its communal bin hub programme.
This initiative, first introduced in 2018, involves creating centralised bin collection points in residential areas. The model is based on a similar successful project implemented in Glasgow.
- Goal: Reduce instances of fly-tipping and overflowing bins.
- Benefit: Encourage higher rates of recycling among residents.
- Investment: £2.2 million spread over a three-year rollout period.
By expanding this system, the council aims to create cleaner streets and more efficient waste collection services.
Council Leadership on the Investment Plan
Council leaders have framed the proposed investments as a direct result of efforts to stabilise the city's finances, allowing for spending on services that matter to residents.
"We know that having things such as decent leisure facilities, play areas and parks, as well as clean streets, alleyways and properties that are not in a state of disrepair make a real difference to everyday life," said Cllr Ruth Bennett, Deputy Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources, and Transformation.
She added, "This is about making sure that people feel they are getting value-for-money from their Council Tax and the money we are spending is used in their neighbourhood."
Liverpool City Council Leader, Cllr Liam Robinson, echoed this sentiment, linking the new spending to previous financial management.
"These investments are possible because of the work we have done over the last couple of years in making our finances sustainable," Cllr Robinson stated. "It is an integral part of our journey to delivering quality, joined-up services in our neighbourhoods, which reflect the needs of local residents."
The final decision on the capital programme will be made by the council's cabinet during its upcoming vote.