Council comes forward with vision to 'reclaim banks of the Mersey' for the people of the city, with proposals for new Merseyfront Walkway, mixed-use spaces, new transport infrastructure and a bold plan to "sink" one of the busiest road junctions in Liverpool
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"Liverpool Council's major vision centres around a new Merseyfront Walkway, described as a continuous "green ribbon" that would connect the waterfront from Otterspool in the south to the new Hill Dickinson Stadium in the north. The council says this would act as a "social, ecological, and active-travel backbone for the city."
"new all-weather Merseyfront Walkway"
Major new plan to transform Liverpool's famous waterfront
Council comes forward with vision to 'reclaim banks of the Mersey' for the people of the city, with proposals for new Merseyfront Walkway, mixed-use spaces, new transport infrastructure and a bold plan to "sink" one of the busiest road junctions in Liverpool
Liverpool Council is working up a landmark new vision for the city's waterfront
A landmark new vision is being put forward for Liverpool's historic waterfront as part of a plan to "reclaim the banks of the Mersey" for the people of the city - as well as "sinking" one of the busiest road junctions in the city centre.
The ambitious Liverpool Waterfront Vision outlines a 30-year transformation that aims to place "public life, sustainability and connectivity at the core of future development."
At the centre of the vast proposals are an aim to reconnect the city centre with the famous waterfront, with the hope of making it safer, healthier and more accessible for all.
Liverpool Council's major vision centres around a new Merseyfront Walkway, described as a continuous "green ribbon" that would connect the waterfront from Otterspool in the south to the new Hill Dickinson Stadium in the north. The council says this would act as a "social, ecological, and active-travel backbone for the city."
Running parallel to this, there would be a series of public-realm improvements to various inland routes, including proposals to reimagine some of the city's busiest thoroughfares as new linear parkways that will priorities pedestrians, cyclists and the city region's planned new rapid transit transport network.
As well as the new all-weather Merseyfront Walkway, some of the other key features of the waterfront plan include:
- New public green spaces, such as Dingle Bank and The Otter's Pool, designed to restore natural habitats and provide new inclusive recreational areas.
- New mixed-use developments such as Brunswick Market District and Baltic Beach, which the council says will "blend heritage, housing and local enterprise with vibrant public realms."
- Enhanced public transport infrastructure, including rapid transport routes and new park-and-ride hubs, designed to reduce car dependency and improve access
Another hugely significant aspect of the proposed waterfront plan is the proposed overhaul of the Great Howard Street-Leeds Street junction, which is currently one of Liverpool's busiest intersections.
The new vision, previously reported by the ECHO, is for a cut-and-cover infrastructure solution, which would sink vehicular traffic below ground to create a surface-level pedestrian plaza and transit hub. This would dovetail with the billion-pound plans for the nearby King Edward Triangle, where a new hotel, events arena and hundreds of homes are planned.
Liverpool Council said its waterfront vision has been developed by internationally renowned urban design and landscape architecture firm West 8, who have been appointed alongside BDP to lead the creation of a "bold, people-first strategy for the city’s waterfront."
Founded in Rotterdam and with studios across Europe and North America, West 8 have carried out waterfront transformations in cities like New York, Toronto, Madrid and Hong Kong.
If approved by the council's cabinet at its meeting on Tuesday November 18, the Waterfront Vision will form the basis for coordinated planning and delivery across the city's waterfront, with the establishment of a Waterfront Steering Group and Design Review Panel to ensure high standards and cohesive implementation.
Cllr Nick Small, member for growth and economic strategy, said: “This vision is about giving Liverpool’s waterfront back to its people.
“For too long, The Strand has acted as a barrier — a noisy, car-dominated space that disconnects our communities from the river. The proposals will transform it into a green, welcoming boulevard where pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport come first.
“It’s not just about infrastructure — it’s about creating places where people feel safe, connected, and proud of their city.
“These changes will help knit together our neighbourhoods, support healthier lifestyles, and make the waterfront a space for everyone, not just for passing traffic.”
Martin Biewenga, partner at West 8, said: “We are delighted to see the vision reach this important milestone. As an international studio, we have learned that successful waterfronts around the world are made by the people of the city.
“The vision is the outcome of an extended process of listening and collaboration with local communities and stakeholders, and we feel that this is your vision as much as it is ours. Together, we’ve identified opportunities to reveal, connect, and showcase the quality of Liverpool’s Waterfront public spaces from the Everton Stadium to Otterspool.
“We see an enormous opportunity to continue this momentum and for the Waterfront Vision to steer Liverpool’s evolution in the coming decades.”