THIS is the first glimpse of Liverpool’s dramatic waterfront as it will look from 2008. New additions to the skyline include the arena and exhibition centre at Kings Dock, the Mann Island developments, as well as a collection of towering skyscrapers.
It all fits in with the city’s image to stake its claim to be a premier European city.
From the left the computer-generated picture shows the area around Princes Dock and the rapidly changing business quarter centred on Old Hall Street. The cluster of skyscrapers, including the 40-storey Beetham West Tower, currently under way, gives a mini-Manhattan feel to the area.
It includes the new Central Village development at the rear of Central Station, as well as the new tower that will replace Concourse House in Lime Street.
The two cathedrals as well as the Radio City Tower are still favourites along the skyline of the future.
Liverpool Vision Chief Executive Jim Gill said: “This new image gives us a glimpse into how Liverpool’s world-famous waterfront will look in the years ahead.
“We are now seeing the positive impact of the regeneration programme on the city centre skyline. It’s pleasing that all the schemes featured in the new image are now well under way or due to start before the end of the year.”
Liverpool City Council leader Warren Bradley, said: “Anybody questioning our aspirations to be a premier European city should look at the changes along our waterfront. They are dramatic and show a city brimming with confidence about its future.
“More importantly the new additions to our skyline represent tens of millions of pounds on investment, as well as confidence in Liverpool from the private sector. The marvellous Three Graces at the Pier Head remain the centrepiece and are rightfully respected in the emerging waterfront. People returning to Liverpool in 2007 and our culture year in 2008 will hardly believe their eyes when they see the transformation.”
Martin King, director of tourism at the Mersey Partnership, said: “This is a glimpse of how Liverpool will look as a truly world-class waterfront city.
“Liverpool's waterfront has always been a famous landmark. Our Three Graces represent the city's rich mercantile and mari- time history, and have contributed enormously to our Unesco World Heritage Site status.
“Now, like so much of the city, the waterfront is being transformed by huge new investments and developments which are going to make Merseyside an even more attractive visitor destination.
“The cruise ship berth, the new hotels, the new museum, the new retail and leisure developments and - perhaps most significant of all in terms of its potential - the new Arena and Convention Centre. For everyone involved in our tourism sector, that's a mouth-watering list of new developments.”
When the picture is updated it is likely to show even more changes. It could then show the new buildings approved along the Strand as part of Grosvenor’s £950m Paradise Street project, as well as more tower blocks along Princes Dock. It will also show the new cruise-liner landing stage in front of Princes Dock. That is on target to open next summer.
larryneild@dailypost.co.uk
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