Consultation on Liverpool City Centre to Childwall walking, wheeling and cycling scheme

A new consultation phase has begun concerning plans to enhance walking and cycling routes connecting Liverpool city centre with the southern areas of the city. The proposed pathway stretches approximately 8 kilometers, linking the city centre with Childwall while serving several significant residential neighborhoods and important destinations along the way. Key locations on this corridor include Wavertree Sports Park, the University of Liverpool, and Liverpool Hope University.

This route is designed to connect existing cycling infrastructure at both ends—beginning at Lime Street in the city centre and extending to the Liverpool Loop Line in Childwall. Additionally, it ties into recently completed improvements such as those on Catharine Street. The overarching aim is to establish a comprehensive network of safe, appealing routes for pedestrians and cyclists throughout Liverpool. Features of the scheme include better road and pavement surfaces as well as upgraded lighting along the corridor.

During an earlier consultation phase, 77 percent of respondents expressed support for the plans, with 69 percent indicating they would use the route if developed. In response to feedback, several important adjustments have been made. These include the provision of clear and separated cycle lanes wherever feasible, preserving as many car parking spaces as reasonably possible, increasing the gap between parking bays and cycle lanes, and introducing raised crossings to enhance pedestrian safety and encourage slower vehicle speeds. Designs were also modified to ensure bus waiting areas are completely separated from cycle lanes.

The development will be carried out in three distinct sections. The first section covers the city centre and involves creating a fully segregated, bi-directional cycle track on Renshaw Street with connections to Lime Street and the university areas. Improvements include upgraded pedestrian crossings and better footpaths, particularly near Smithdown Primary School, where pedestrian space will be expanded. The second section focuses on Wavertree and features safer crossings, traffic calming on residential roads, neighborhood closures to reduce car cut-through traffic, and improved lighting along a signed route through Wavertree Park. Childwall represents the third section, where new segregated cycle paths will be installed on Fir Lane and Woolton Road, alongside junction upgrades, bus platform enhancements, and measures to make Childwall Triangle more pedestrian and cyclist friendly.

Residents and stakeholders are invited to share their views via an online survey, by email, or through several upcoming in-person drop-in events scheduled in March. The consultation period will conclude at 5pm on Monday 13 April 2026. Afterward, all comments and suggestions will be thoroughly reviewed, and any necessary design changes will be considered prior to advancing to the next phase of development. A summary report of the consultation results will be prepared and published online, and construction is anticipated to start in phases between late 2027 and early 2028. The design work has been supported through funding from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority

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