Liverpool sets out plan to retain World Heritage status

Liverpool has set out a plan to retain its World Heritage Site as new figures show that almost £3bn has been invested to upgrade historic sites and buildings across the city over the last decade. 

Following UNESCO’s consideration to delete Liverpool from the World Heritage list, Liverpool City Council has drafted a new Desired State of Conservation Report (DSOCR) for the UK government to submit to the World Heritage Committee.

The report will outline how more than £2.6bn has been invested, by both public and private sector, into historic assets in the city in the past decade.

The investments include the upgrade of 59 listed buildings, such as the current refurbishment of the Grade I listed Liver Building.

The report will also focus on how the city aims to balance its projected population and economic growth over the next 15 years, which will see the creation of 35,000 new homes and 30,000 jobs.

Mayor Joe Anderson, who set up an independent Task Force to forge a positive debate with the UK Government and UNESCO, said: ‘Liverpool’s maritime heritage is a fundamental part of our city and a great source of pride.

‘That’s why almost a phenomenal three billion pounds has been invested by the public and private sector to improve our World Heritage Site. The truth is it’s never been in a better condition and is a world away from when we got the status in 2004.

‘This draft DSOCR report shows in great detail how much work has gone into balancing the needs to grow this dilapidated part of the city whilst protecting our World Heritage Status – and I think we’ve now found a way forward which marries them together.

‘This has been a delicate task and has involved all the major city stakeholders working together to understand very specific planning issues and creating solutions that work for the city and UNESCO.

‘I thank everyone for their hard work and trust UNESCO will see how far the outline plans in 2013 which clearly worried them have evolved and changed to today.’

In related news, a regeneration masterplan that will amplify Liverpool’s rich musical heritage has been approved.

Earlier this month, (March 6) Liverpool City Council’s cabinet approved a Spatial Regeneration Framework (SRF) for the Cavern Quarter, including Mathew Street – home of the world-famous music venues the Cavern Club and Eric’s, and nearby Williamson Square.

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