There is a need for sheltered spaces and a need for places to 'brave the elements'.

When the enclosed dock system ran the length of the city, the Pier Head was the one and only place that gave access to the river and the opportunity to 'see the sea', see the ships close at hand; essentially an empty space - a bravely and truly open space subject to the elements. This is the magic of the place.

The various landing stage and ferry termini were unobtrusive and only added to access to the river. The 60's bus depot blocked the view of the water and was the start of the decline leading to the place filling up with 'stuff' in desperate attempts to make the space 'active'.

Liverpool is literally and metaphorically on the edge; outward looking and international. The very brave and confident thing to do would be to sweep all this meaningless bric-a-brac away (or cover it up) to create a world class open space standing at the prow of the city.

A forest of tall ships' masts in Canning, Salthouse and Princes Docks would indeed be a majestic and soaring setting either side of the Three Graces and could be enjoyed in these more enclosed and sheltered areas all year round.