Plans to revamp Liverpool Central area revealed

Plans to revamp an area outside Liverpool Central station have been revealed by the city's council.

The local authority has appointed a specialist design team to help shape regeneration efforts around the city-centre rail hub, which is used by more than 14.8m passengers a year.

The council said the proposed redevelopment of rail services by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority would provide an opportunity for "a radical transformation of the area's profile".

A team, led by architects and urban designers Hawkins\Brown, will now develop a Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) to help create a "welcoming and well-connected city-centre arrival point".

This 86-acre project aims to "create a world-class transport hub" to transform connectivity and drive regeneration, the council said.

Last year Liverpool Central was chosen as a pilot project for the government's reformed "Green Book" appraisal process, aimed at unlocking a £5bn transformation of the station and surrounding area.

In December, Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram revealed details of a plan to transform the city centre, which could include an underground tunnel between two major rail stations.

In March, Rotheram secured £95m from the government to support his plans to develop the business case for major regeneration projects, including Liverpool Central.

The Combined Authority is liaising with the Department for Transport on the projects and is working with Liverpool City Council and partners to submit a full business case to government this summer.

Councillor Nick Small, cabinet member for growth and economy, said the Liverpool Central SRF was "about shaping the places around the station – the streets, spaces and development opportunities – and ensuring they work together".

He added: "It will provide clarity for communities, partners and investors as we plan for the long-term future of this part of the city-centre."

Rotheram said: "Liverpool Central is one of the busiest and most important transport gateways in the country - and the area around it should match the ambition of the city it serves.

"This is a chance for us to think bigger about the future of one of the key front doors to Liverpool - creating a greener, safer and better-connected gateway that works for residents, businesses and the millions of people who pass through it every year."

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