Liverpool gateway
16th January 2010
A £200m redevelopment plan to regenerate a key gateway into Liverpool has been agreed by the city council. Currently motorists heading for the city centre along Edge Lane pass derelict car showrooms and a run-down retail park.
Planners said the area presents the "wrong impression at the moment".
Landowner Derwent Holdings, Liverpool City Council and Liverpool Vision have agreed a framework for the plan to upgrade the retail park.
'Ambitious scheme'
The Ian Skelly car showrooms will be used to extend Rathbone Hospital, the former Robinson Willey gas fire factory will become a community park and the land currently occupied by the Halfords building will be developed for light industry.
Existing businesses affected by the plans will be relocated to the north side of Edge Lane and the area between the new park and the retail park will be linked by environmental improvements and improved pedestrian routes.
Councillor Warren Bradley, leader of Liverpool City Council, said: "Today's decision is an important step forward for an exciting and ambitious scheme which will transform a major gateway route into Liverpool.
"It clears the way for the developers to submit planning applications and I am sure the local community, as well as those who use Edge Lane regularly, will be looking for it to be progressed as soon as possible. "
Source: BBC News - Merseyside
