MERSEY WATERFRONT UNVEILS 91 MILLION POUND INVESTMENT IN 135KM COASTLINE
Publish Date: 28.03.2007
Mersey Waterfront has unveiled details of a new investment in key waterfront projects along the 135km (84 mile) Merseyside/Cheshire coastline.
The latest funding, which will include 10.9million pounds from the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and 6.9million pounds from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) will be spent as part of Mersey Waterfront's second phase, 2007-2010.
The money secures additional funds from various public and private sector sources which will bring the total managed through Mersey Waterfront's (phase 2) programme to 91million pounds. This will allow the Mersey Waterfront team to support a number of flagship projects and key themes:
1) Sefton Water Centre - A water-based recreation centre at Crosby Marina.
2) Liverpool Riverlands - A new urban park, to complement a new residential development on the former International Garden Festival Site.
3) Brand New Brighton - Phase 1 of a comprehensive redevelopment of New Brighton's seafront.
4) Pier Head Ferry Terminal - Redevelopment of the Mersey Ferries Terminal at Liverpool's Pier Head.
5) Cross-river lasers - Innovative lighting displays to showcase Liverpool'sworld-famous waterfront, with laser shows linking Liverpool and Birkenhead. The first show will coincide with the launch of the new cruiseliner facility in September.
6) Pride In Our Promenades - Enhancing and extending public access along promenades (Eg, South Liverpool, East Wirral, Leeds & Liverpool Canal towpath).
7) Coastal Places, Open Spaces - Environmental improvements, interpretation, arts and access projects. (Eg, funding to help secure purchase of Antony Gormley's Another Place, Crosby Beach).
8) Promoting the Place & Engaging People - Community engagement, marketing and communications, including Peoples Panels who will debate issues affecting their local waterfront area.
To coincide with the funding announcement, Mersey Waterfront is also revealing its long-term vision, which sets out a framework for its core activities and investment priorities between now and 2020. In essence, Mersey Waterfront will facilitate and deliver regeneration, leisure and recreation, and environmental activities in:
1) Mersey Waterfront Regional Park Zone - There is a need to more strongly define and promote the geographical zone of Mersey Waterfront, which extends from Southport Marine Lake in the north, to Parkgate in the Wirral in the south. The eastern edge is bordered by the Trans Pennine Trail where it crosses the River Mersey in Warrington.
2) 'Windows on the Waterfront' - 14 key locations - or windows - have been identified has focal points for future development and investments.
These are: Southport, Ainsdale, Formby Point, Crosby Coastal Park, International Waterfront (Liverpool and Birkenhead), Liverpool Riverlands, Speke Riverside, Mersey Gateway (Halton), Eastham Country Park & Mouth of Ship Canal, Woodside/Hamilton Square, New Brighton.
There are also 10 external windows which provide panoramic views of Mersey Waterfront (eg, Bidston Moss, Everton Heights, Thurstaston Hill).
3) Linking the Waterfront - Access and public transport links within the Regional Park Zone must be strengthened, linking the 14 waterfront 'windows'with each other and surrounding parts of the Northwest. Another long-term proposal is to create a 'Mersey Way'- a continuous multi-user trial, making the entire 135km coastline fully accessible to the public by 2020.
This framework has been developed by independent consultants, led by urban designers Gillespies and including Creative Concern and Locum. It will now be used by the Mersey Waterfront team to develop proposals for the Regional Park Zone to 2020.
Commenting on today's announcements, Director of Mersey Waterfront, Louise Goodman, said; "Since the Mersey Waterfront Regional Park was created in 2003, we?ve already been involved in more than 60 waterside regeneration projects across Liverpool, Halton, Sefton, Wirral and Cheshire.
"The second phase of the Mersey Waterfront programme, spanning the next three years, moves up a gear. It?s an exciting time and there?s no doubt we're increasing the scale and impact of the projects we support, as we aim to reinforce the image and identity of our coastal assets nationally and internationally."
Chair of Mersey Waterfront, Sara Wilde, added: "We're also looking to the next 15-20 years, and our long-term vision sets out a framework to further develop the Regional Park Zone as a world-class visitor destination and desirable place to live. Mersey Waterfront will play an increasingly important role in ensuring consistently high-quality design standards, environments and visitor experiences in the coming years."
Paul Lakin, NWDA Head of Development, said: "A stunning coastline with spectacular views is one of the region's greatest natural assets, adding to the superb quality of life found in England's Northwest. This comprehensive regeneration programme will sensitively develop the Mersey Waterfront, improving the overall visitor experience with a range of exciting projects and maximising the contribution it makes to regional economy."
