There are calls to secure New Town status for a major regeneration scheme by the Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram.
The Mayor is looking for a 10-year vision, encompassing Goodison Park, Anfield Stadium and the £20m Bootle New Strand development
Under the plans, Liverpool North would be created on the northern fringe of the city of Liverpool through to Bootle town centre, transforming 5km of brownfield land. The scheme would see 10,000 new homes built.
Steve Rotheram, Liverpool City Region Mayor, said: “Liverpool North is one of the biggest regeneration opportunities in the country right now – bigger even than Old Trafford – and its potential to transform lives is enormous. We’re talking about 10,000 new homes, thousands of jobs, and a chance to turn round the fortunes of communities that have been held back for far too long.
“From Bootle to Kirkdale, Everton to Anfield, this is a proud part of our city region, rich in history, resilience and potential. We’ve brought local leaders, football clubs, colleges and housing providers together around a single shared vision – and we’re all raring to go.
“We have a real chance to work hand in hand with our government to deliver the kind of joined-up, long-term investment that changes lives. New Town status would be a real catalyst to kickstart that transformation.”
As part of the regeneration, there are also plans to invest in major improvements to public transport and active travel infrastructure. Enhancing bus, rail, and cycling connections will help better link communities across North Liverpool and South Sefton with jobs, education and leisure opportunities.
These upgrades would not only support the delivery of new homes and developments but could also pave the way for more ambitious projects in future – including the case for a new train station to better serve the area.
Collaboration is already underway with key partners including Homes England as well as Liverpool FC and Everton FC. The development is a centrepiece of the Liverpool City Region’s Investment Prospectus, showcased at the recent property exhibitions of MIPIM and UKREiiF.
New Town status is a designation given to certain areas of the UK undergoing significant redevelopment. It brings co-ordinated investment in housing, infrastructure and community spaces and aims to revitalise areas to make them more attractive to live and work.
Councillor Liam Robinson, leader of Liverpool City Council said: “New Town status for Anfield, Bootle, Everton and Kirkdale will prove to be a real game changer and help to radically reverse decades of decline in this area.
“It will provide a much-needed economic boost to these communities, providing thousands of affordable homes and creating massive opportunities for employment and education.
“This is so much more than about bricks and mortar. It’s about building hope and ambition. The plans for Liverpool North will act as a major catalyst for economic revival that will be felt throughout the region.”