£1.9 million boost for Liverpool's waterfront

Liverpool's city centre waterfront is set to receive an investment of £1.9 million from the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) for a programme of infrastructure, environmental and public realm improvements.

The grant is being allocated for the second phase of the Waterfront Connections project, which is strengthening the waterfront's role as a major visitor destination through improved linkages between visitor attractions at Kings Waterfront, the Albert Dock, Mann Island, the Pier Head and Princes Dock.

The programme will deliver a wide range of projects including:

* The development of Canning Maritime Park as a visitor attraction in its own right, through a combination of landscaping improvements and new pedestrian bridges across the eastern end of the graving docks.
* Construction of mooring facilities at Salthouse Dock for boats entering the south docks via the new Leeds/Liverpool canal link.
* A programme of enhancements at Albert Dock, including feature lighting, interactive kiosks, new seating and street furniture.
* Public art in the form of plaques at Kings Waterfront commemorating 100 famous Liverpudlians.
* Completion of a pedestrian link across the Pier Head to tie in with the new ferry terminal and associated environmental improvements.

Peter White, NWDA Executive Director of Development, said:

"The NWDA recognises the enormous potential of Liverpool's waterfront as a major international visitor destination and we have invested substantially in a number of significant developments to maximise its contribution to the local and regional economy. This includes the new cruise liner facility, canal link, Museum of Liverpool and ACC Liverpool.

“Building on the achievements of phase one of the Waterfront Connections project, this latest funding will help to maximise the impact of these and other attractions at the waterfront, helping to boost Liverpool's visitor economy."

Liverpool Vision will lead the project, working with partners Gower Street Estates, the Albert Dock Company, National Museums Liverpool, British Waterways, ACC Liverpool, Kings Waterfront Estates, English Partnerships, Neptune Developments, Merseytravel, Liverpool Culture Company and Liverpool City Council.

Jim Gill, Liverpool Vision Chief Executive, said:

"The City Centre Waterfront has undergone an impressive transformation over the last five years. Vision and its partners have delivered a series of complementary attractions from Princes Dock to Kings Waterfront, which are already having a major impact on the city's economy.

“NWDA funding will encourage greater movement between these attractions, provide improved facilities, and create a more enjoyable experience for local people and visitors."