DOZENS of historic buildings in Liverpool are being considered for extra protection.

English Heritage experts are examining a list of around 60 properties within the specially-designated site to see if they deserve listed building status.

The final decision will be made by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).



Heritage chiefs maintain listing is not intended to ‘fossilise’ a building, but is designed to make sure its architectural and historic interest is taken into consideration before any internal or external changes are agreed.

This latest move follows a report commissioned by English Heritage and Liverpool council last year.

An English Heritage spokeswoman said: “The report contained approximately 60 possible candidates for listing within the Liverpool World Heritage Site.

“English Heritage has been working through this list extremely carefully assessing each building or site.

“We anticipate the process of assessing the candidates and supplying our formal advice to the DCMS will be completed by spring 2008.

“Based on our advice, the department will then make the final decision whether to list or not.”

The heritage watchdog has not given any specific information about the buildings being considered.

But it understood many of them are within the Rope Walks area, with a handful at other sites such as the commercial centre surrounding Castle Street.

Buildings are listed for their historic or architectural importance or because of a link with famous people or events.

Last year the Casbah coffee club in West Derby was given grade II listed status because of its importance in the birth of the Beatles.

There are 26 grade I listed buildings – the highest status – in Liverpool including the Albert Dock, Liver Building, St George’s Hall, Bluecoat, and Toxteth Chapel.

Liverpool also has 85 grade II* listed buildings, including St Luke’s Church, the Regent Road Sugar Silo and West Derby Courthouse, and almost 2,500 grade II buildings – one of the highest number outside London.

catherinejones@liverpoolecho.co.uk