Liverpool's Mount Pleasant to get £6million facelift
The area surrounding Liverpool’s Metropolitan cathedral is set to be transformed by a £6m facelift.
The urban regeneration scheme, due to start next month, is an attempt to boost road safety and reduce traffic around the Metropolitan Cathedral and Hope Street.
Major improvements will be made to the junction of Mount Pleasant and Hope Street, creating a new public space in front of the Metropolitan Cathedral and restricting the use of Upper Mount Pleasant (between the cathedral and student’s union) to buses, taxis and access to car parks only.
Public realm work will affect Rodney Street, Clarence Street, Maryland Street, and Oxford Street, where a dedicated cycle route will be installed.
The extensive project, which has been funded by the Northwest Development Agency, the European Regional Development Fund, and contributions from the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University, is just the latest stage of development in the Knowledge Quarter.
Improvements to University Square, Brownlow Hill and the Wilderness Area and Hope Street have already been completed and this project will help link the schemes together.
Cllr Peter Millea, Liverpool City Council’s executive member for assets and development, said: “We have carried out extensive consultation on this scheme, and we are very pleased to be moving ahead on target towards a start on site in March.
“We have already carried out major regeneration works in this area and this will be the final piece of the jigsaw, creating a safe and pleasant area for residents, businesses, students and visitors to enjoy.”
This series of urban regeneration is part of The Knowledge Quarter Public Realm Programme, conducted by Liverpool City Council and Liverpool Vision, together with key stakeholders from the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University.
Liverpool Vision’s senior development manager, Matt Biagetti, said: “This project will strengthen links between the Knowledge Quarter and the rest of the City Centre, making both areas far more accessible, particularly for pedestrians and public transport.”
Ongoing consultation has taken place with the Archdiocese, and the Dean of the Metropolitan Cathedral, Canon Anthony O’Brien, welcomed the initiative.
He said: “By reducing the traffic using this junction and opening up a bigger public space in front of the Cathedral Steps, the area becomes safer and easier to access for worshippers and visitors alike.”
An exhibition and consultation event was held at the Piazza Cafe yesterday to showcase the plans.
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