New pocket parks, trees, colourful murals and street improvements are coming to County Road in Liverpool as part of a wider investment programme aimed at revitalising the popular high street.
The improvements have been developed by Liverpool City Council following feedback from local businesses, with the aim of creating a cleaner, greener and more welcoming environment for residents, shoppers and visitors.
Work began in July with the installation of two new pocket parks at the junctions of Hale Road and Carisbrooke Road. The new spaces feature benches and planting, providing places for people to sit, socialise and spend more time in the area.
The scheme follows discussions with businesses along County Road, who highlighted the importance of improving the appearance of the high street and creating more inviting public spaces to encourage footfall and support local trade.
The pocket parks form the first stage of a wider programme of improvements being delivered by teams across Liverpool City Council, with further work planned to enhance the local environment and strengthen community pride.
A new mural has also been completed at the Hale Road junction by local artist Madeleine Pires, working alongside resident and business owner Rachel Workman of Uniqcorn/Well Made CIC.
Supported by Culture Liverpool, Liverpool City Council and dot-art, the artwork explores themes of community resilience, using buddleia plants as a symbol of beauty thriving in challenging surroundings.
Madeleine previously worked with dot-art and Culture Liverpool on the award-winning Flower Streets Murals Project in neighbouring Kirkdale.
Further murals and public art installations are planned across the County Road area throughout autumn and winter, bringing additional colour and creativity to the neighbourhood.
The improvements will also include new trees on land at the junction of Arundel Street and Carisbrooke Road, as well as land off Chirkdale Street. The planting will be funded through Section 106 developer contributions.
Plans are also being developed to introduce communal bin screening at key locations, helping to improve the appearance of the streets, encourage recycling and tackle fly-tipping.
Parking is another issue being addressed following concerns raised by local businesses about the lack of legal short-stay spaces for customers.
Liverpool City Council is planning to review local parking restrictions as part of a wider assessment of parking schemes across the city, with the aim of understanding how existing arrangements affect businesses and visitors.
The programme has been developed through the council’s Business Support Service, which provides assistance to established businesses and residents looking to start their own enterprises.
Funding for the project comes from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority acting as the lead agency.
The investment is intended to help make County Road a more attractive destination while supporting the independent businesses and communities that form an important part of the area’s identity.
Cllr Nick Small, Cabinet Member for Growth and Economy said:
“County Road is an important local high street with a strong community spirit and proud local businesses.
“These improvements have been shaped by feedback from the people who know the area best and are about making County Road a cleaner, greener and more welcoming place to spend time.
“From new seating and planting to public art and tree planting, we’re investing in practical changes that will make a real difference to the look and feel of the area while supporting local businesses and encouraging pride in the neighbourhood.”
