Liverpool’s busiest transport gateway is set for a major transformation after Liverpool City Council appointed a specialist design team to develop a new long-term vision for the area surrounding Liverpool Central Station.

Led by Hawkins\Brown, the team will create a Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) to guide future investment, placemaking and redevelopment around the station, helping unlock its potential as a more welcoming and better connected gateway into the city centre.

The plans follow proposals to redevelop rail services at Liverpool Central station by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, which could act as a catalyst for wider regeneration across the surrounding area.

The framework will be developed by Liverpool City Council in partnership with Platform4, Network Rail’s property development company, alongside Network Rail itself, the Combined Authority and a range of key partners, landowners and stakeholders.

Covering an 86-acre area, the SRF will outline how land is used, how public spaces are designed and how people and vehicles move through the district. It will also establish principles for future regeneration and development opportunities.

Liverpool Central currently welcomes more than 14.8 million passengers each year and plays a vital role in linking the city centre, retail core and Knowledge Quarter.

The station has also been selected as a pilot project for the Government’s reformed Green Book appraisal process, aimed at supporting a potential £5 billion transformation of the station and surrounding area.

The ambitious vision would create a world-class transport hub designed to improve connectivity, unlock economic growth and drive regeneration across the Liverpool City Region and the wider North West.

Plans include closer integration between Liverpool Central and Liverpool Lime Street railway station, bringing together Merseyrail and national rail services in a similar way to how King’s Cross railway station and St Pancras railway stationoperate together in the capital.

The proposals would also strengthen connections to the Knowledge Quarter, Queen Square and Liverpool’s waterfront, while creating new green public spaces alongside high-quality homes, offices and leisure developments.

Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram secured £95 million in Government funding earlier this year to help develop business cases for major regeneration projects, including Liverpool Central.

The Combined Authority is now working with Liverpool City Council and other partners on a full Place Based Business Case submission to Government later this summer.

A programme of site analysis, engagement and technical work will now begin to inform the emerging vision.

The SRF will:

•          Set out an ambitious long term vision for the Central Station area

•          Establish planning and design principles to guide future high-quality development

•          Identify opportunities to enhance public realm, connectivity and accessibility including for active travel

•          Support and drive inclusive growth and investment in the city centre to create a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use neighbourhood with significant new homes

The work will consider how a welcoming gateway into Liverpool can be delivered, supporting economic activity while creating safer, greener and more legible streets and spaces.

The Strategic Regeneration Framework will be developed over the coming months, with opportunities for engagement as the work progresses. Once completed, it will form an important material consideration in guiding future regeneration and development within the Central Station area.

Cllr Nick Small, Cabinet Member for Growth and Economy at Liverpool City Council, said:

“Liverpool Central is one of the most important gateways into our city, used by millions of people every year. This Strategic Regeneration Framework provides an exciting opportunity to provide a strong and transformational vision for how the wider area around the station can evolve over time – supporting growth, improving the quality of place and ensuring future investment comprehensive and brought forward in collaboration with partners.

“The SRF is about shaping the places around the station – the streets, spaces and development opportunities – and ensuring they work together. It will provide clarity for communities, partners and investors as we plan for the long-term future of this part of the city centre.”

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, 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. 

“Working with Liverpool City Council and partners, we can make sure this becomes more than a transport upgrade – but a catalyst for wider regeneration, investment and opportunity in the heart of the city.”

Andrew Ferguson, Acting CEO of Platform4, added:

“A transformed Central Station area won’t just improve the experience of the millions of passengers who pass through it each year – it will help define Liverpool’s identity as a connected and ambitious city. By bringing together world-class design, long-term planning and genuine partnership, we can create a gateway that drives real economic growth and makes Liverpool an even more attractive place to live, work and invest.”

Katie Tonkinson, Partner and Head of Studio North at Hawkins\Brown, said:

“We are delighted to have been appointed, alongside a word-class team of collaborators, to prepare the Liverpool Central Station Strategic Regeneration Framework. 

“It is a fantastic opportunity to work with Liverpool City Council and partners to develop a creative, long-term vision for the city. We are truly excited to be embarking on this journey of discovery with stakeholders and local communities. 

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to seek transformational change at this original locus; to connect with people and initiatives across the city region, taking inspiration from around the world and raising world profile, whilst driving local aspiration and rooting our thinking in Liverpool.”

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