Construction has officially begun on a major transformation of Liverpool’s Chinatown, as work crews move in to overhaul the Great George Square play area.
The project, delivered by Liverpool City Council and Wicksteed, will replace the existing site with a high-spec, zodiac-themed playground designed in direct collaboration with local families.
Tailored for children aged 4 to 12, the site is the first step in a significant wave of investment into the historic Great George Street area.
The new space will be built around the Chinese philosophy of Anji Play, which prioritises child-led exploration and allows youngsters to choose their own levels of risk.
Inclusion is a core pillar of the design, featuring sensory panels, a wheelchair-accessible roundabout, and dual-language signage including Chinese phrases and British Sign Language.
Honoring Heritage and Global Ties
This development is about more than just play, it is a cultural landmark in the making.
The site will eventually house a ceremonial memorial garden dedicated to the history of the Chinese community in Liverpool.
Later this year, two traditional guardian lions, donated by the Chinese Consulate General in Manchester, will be installed to mark the sister-city bond between Liverpool and Shanghai.
Councillor Nick Small, Cabinet Member for Growth and Economy, emphasized the site’s importance:
“The Chinatown area is a significant part of Liverpool’s history and identity.
“This work is about putting the community at the heart of regeneration, making sure that a new and modern development pays respects to the community’s unique and valued heritage.”
A City-Wide Push for Better Play
The month-long project at Great George Square is part of a wider council initiative to eliminate worn-out equipment across Merseyside.
With seven sites already upgraded, attention will shift to Everton Park next week as the city-wide rollout continues.
Councillor Laura Robertson-Collins, Cabinet Member for Communities, Neighbourhoods and Streetscene, explained the funding:
“We know how important well-kept, varied play areas are for families and young people.
“The Council has invested a significant amount of funding received from new developments to upgrades play areas across the whole city.
“This new play area on Great George Square has been designed with the local community, for the local community.
“This development puts a real focus on inclusivity while giving children somewhere welcoming and exciting to play.”
City Centre South ward councillor, Cllr Angela Coleman, added:
“We have been working towards this for some time and I’m very pleased with the planned upgrades to this play area.
“Our historic Chinatown is already a much-loved attraction and this excellent new play area will only serve to make it a better place for residents and families to visit.”
