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Liverpool’s busiest transport hub is poised for a significant redevelopment as Liverpool City Council has commissioned a renowned specialist design team to craft a long-term vision for the Central Station district. This initiative is centered on forming a Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) aimed at guiding investment, placemaking, and renewal efforts that unlock the station’s full potential as a welcoming and well-connected city centre gateway.
The design team, led by HawkinsBrown, will develop the framework to support ambitious plans for revitalizing the area surrounding Liverpool Central station. This comes alongside a proposed overhaul of rail services spearheaded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, which offers a unique chance to radically enhance the station’s role and stimulate broader regeneration in the city centre. Liverpool City Council will steer the process, working alongside Platform4, Network Rail’s property development company, Network Rail itself, and the Combined Authority, with collaboration from key partners, landowners, and stakeholders.
The SRF will detail how the land will be utilized, shape public spaces, and improve movement for pedestrians and vehicles alike, while establishing principles for future development and regeneration. Serving over 14.8 million passengers annually, Liverpool Central connects critical areas such as the retail core, the Knowledge Quarter, and city centre attractions. The framework will ensure development is strategic, feasible, and aligned with broader city growth ambitions. Notably, this project has been selected as a pilot for the Government’s reformed “Green Book” appraisal process, supporting a £5 billion transformation of the station and its environs.
Encompassing 86 acres, this visionary project aims to create a world-class transport hub that enhances regional connectivity, drives regeneration, and fosters economic growth across the Liverpool City Region and the wider North West of England. The proposed design principle focuses on integrating Liverpool Central seamlessly with Liverpool Lime Street, linking Merseyrail services with national rail in a manner similar to the King’s Cross and St Pancras connection in London. This will enhance access to key city locations, such as the Knowledge Quarter, Queen Square, and the waterfront, while introducing new green public spaces alongside high-quality residential, office, and leisure developments.
Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram secured £95 million in government funding earlier this year to support business case development for major regeneration projects including Liverpool Central. The Combined Authority is currently coordinating with the Department for Transport and working closely with Liverpool City Council and other partners to prepare a full Place Based Business Case for submission this summer. As site analysis, engagement, and technical assessments commence, the emerging vision will be refined, positioning the SRF as a guiding document for future growth.
Councillor Nick Small, Cabinet Member for Growth and Economy, emphasized the importance of Liverpool Central: “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.”
Mayor Steve Rotheram echoed this sentiment, describing Liverpool Central as one of the busiest transport gateways nationally and stressing the need for the surrounding area to reflect the city’s ambitions. He spoke of creating a “greener, safer and better connected gateway” that not only serves transport needs but acts as a catalyst for broader regeneration and investment in the city heart.
Supporting this vision, Andrew Ferguson, Acting CEO of Platform4, highlighted the project’s potential to enhance passenger experience and define Liverpool’s identity as a progressive and well-connected city. Katie Tonkinson, Partner and Head of Studio North at HawkinsBrown, expressed enthusiasm about leading the creation of the SRF, calling it a “once in a lifetime opportunity” to achieve transformational change rooted in local aspiration while drawing inspiration from global examples
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