A VISION FOR DISTRICT CENTRE 2030 NO ONE THE INDEPENDENT ORGANISATION HEART OF NORTH WILL CHANGE THE LIFE CHANCES FOR COMMUNITIES ON THEIR OWN, BUT WE MAY JUST RUN FOR THE HAVE A CHANCE COMMUNITY BY THE COMMUNITY IF WE WORK

TOGETHER. Liverpool North Neighbourhood Inspector Graeme Rooney, 1969 – 2020 PAGE 4 COUNTY DISTRICT / A VISION FOR COUNTY DISTRICT CENTRE 2030 CENTRE DISTRICT COUNTY FOR / A VISION DISTRICT COUNTY CREATING A VISION WHY?

We all have fond memories of Walton Road A Vision is not a set of plans – it's a set of ideas and County Road as once bustling high streets – looking at what could be possible. The Vision at the centre of our community. However, is jointly owned by a number of partners – the world has changed and nowhere more while endorses the than the high street. For our high streets to thinking behind it, the ideas it contains will be as important to our communities as they need to be explored further and agreement were in the past we need to consider what sought on how best to deliver the Vision, we County District Centre needs to thrive again. need to know what YOU think. This document Liverpool City Region’s Town Centre Fund provides a brief overview but you can request has given us the opportunity to look at what the full vision or give your feedback by emailing could be possible for the future of County [email protected] District Centre. A VISION FOR COUNTY DISTRICT CENTRE 2030 / COUNTY DISTRICT

PAGE 5 PAGE 6 COUNTY DISTRICT COUNTY / WHAT MAKES COUNTY 2030 CENTRE DISTRICT COUNTY FOR A VISION DISTRICT CENTRE WORK

County District Centre knits our communities County is well served by public transport together with families who have been here and provides a range of services for the for generations. community that minimise the use of private vehicles. It is an area of independent traders County also presents an important link and entrepreneurs. It is an area where we can between our suburbs and the city centre, a link bring community facilities to our high street. between our parks and the waterfront, and a County District Centre is full of potential, it has key route for those visiting our world famous been the heart of the community for over 100 football clubs. There is a proud history here years, and it is a heart that will beat stronger in that deserves a bright future. the future as a result of the Vision. WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES?

County District Centre’s challenges are not unique – all towns and cities are facing the same problems, and the traditional British high street is in decline. The reasons are universal: FOLLOWING THE 10 YEARS OF • The internet has changed how people shop AUSTERITY FOLLOWED BY THE • The convenience of out of town retailing CORONA VIRUS A THRIVING, • The extensive offer of large format supermarkets ENERGETIC WALTON/COUNTY • Household retailers reaching the end of their commercial ROAD DISTRICT CENTRE life cycle have resulted in retailers either going out of IS ESSENTIAL TO THE business or reducing store numbers EMPLOYMENT, WELL- BEING So district centres like County cannot rely solely on shops any more – they have to offer more. AND PROSPERITY OF THE AREA AND ITS RESIDENTS. Further challenges for County District Centre are the wider issues affecting the community such as health inequality THIS PROJECT IS NOT THE and deprivation. The district centre is currently classed FINISHED PRODUCT BUT THE as an ‘unhealthy high street’ due to the amount of empty shops, accessibility challenges, poor environmental quality START IN THE REVIVAL OF A and poor air quality together with concerns regarding GREAT PART OF OUR CITY” safety and crime. The linear nature of the centre stretching over almost a mile makes it difficult to maintain an identity Councillor Gladden or cohesion along the length. 2020 COUNTY DISTRICT / A VISION FOR COUNTY DISTRICT CENTRE 2030

PAGE 7 PAGE 8 WHAT IS ALREADY HAPPENING

There is a lot that we are doing already and growth, improves the health and wellbeing improvements currently being made to high- of the local community, increases employ- ways and public space. We have a programme ability of local residents and creates more of activities we are terming “catalyst projects” cohesive, sustainable communities. Together planned over the next 12 months with the aim these projects will begin to transform the of creating an environment that encourag- future of County District Centre. es new enterprises, supports local business WHAT IS THE COUNTY DISTRICT CENTRE VISION? The County District Centre Vision is the result Fire & Rescue, community representatives of a study commissioned by Liverpool City and the Member of Parliament for Liverpool Council. It is part of a programme of activity Walton. Local businesses and the community we are delivering through the Liverpool City were also consulted through forum, drop-in Region Town Centre Fund. The Vision is events and interviews to ensure that the Vision intended to support and complement activity for County District Centre reflects the issues, across the programme including the projects needs and ideas of the local community. outlined previously. The vision for County District Centre has been developed through From the engagement carried out the Vision consultation with local stakeholders and seeks for County District Centre needs to: to actively respond to the challenges and • Provide a focus for community activities issues they identified. that bring people together The brief was to imagine how projects within • Address the fear of crime County District Centre could support the regeneration of the neighbourhood to create a • Improve the County District Centre vibrant, thriving high street whilst also seeking environment and prevent neglect. to maximise the potential of the centre as a place to work, live and visit. In doing so we are However, if we are truly to transform County seeking a vision that ensures County District District Centre and the community it serves by Centre of 2030 is a balanced, sustainable mix 2030 we need a bold and radical Vision…. of uses that is accessible to all.

The Vision seeks to respond to the views of A VISION FOR COUNTY DISTRICT CENTRE 2030 / the County District Centre Stakeholder Group which includes local Ward Councillors, Football Club, Everton in the Community, Onward Housing, Riverside Housing, Alsop High School, Merseyside Police, Merseyside COUNTY DISTRICT

PAGE 9 PAGE 10 COUNTY DISTRICT / A VISION FOR COUNTY DISTRICT CENTRE 2030 CENTRE DISTRICT COUNTY FOR / A VISION DISTRICT COUNTY THE CHANCE TO BREATHE A VISION FOR THE COUNTY NEW LIFE IN WALTON ROAD DISTRICT CENTRE The high street is evolving. County has never We must celebrate County’s spirit of had the same levels of national retailers as independence and create an environment /COUNTY ROAD DISTRICT other district centres in the city. County is that allows new independent businesses to an area prolific with independent businesses flourish. We will ensure expansion of business – independence is in our DNA. Businesses diversity, increasing the offer and creating started by, and operated by the local a cluster of uses that ensure that County SHOPPING CENTRE IS AN community, businesses that respond District Centre in 2030 is a place where directly to the needs of the community, people want to live, work and visit. businesses that understand the community as they are the community. In County we OPPORTUNITY THAT NONE celebrate independence.

OF US CAN AFFORD TO MISS, Key Principles: For County District Centre to become the independent heart of North Liverpool we have identified a series of Principles that underpin the Vision. We have sought to develop our ALL PARTNERS IN THE AREA Principles to align with Public Heath guidance on how to create ‘Healthy High Streets’. By embedding Public Health England guidance into our Principles for the Vision we have set out FROM THE POLICE, EVERTON the ambition for improved health outcomes that will transform the lives of our community. A Greener County District Centre IN THE COMMUNITY, Our FIVE A greener high street that promotes bio-diversity, addresses air pollution and responds positively to our declared climate THE BUSINESS SECTOR, Principles are: emergency. An Inclusive County District Centre

A Diverse County District Centre A high street that is accessible, easy LIVERPOOL CITY COUNCIL, to cross and is safe for people of all ages and all A diversity of offer along physical abilities to use. the length of the high street, with a combination of commercial A Well Designed County TO NAME JUST A FEW OF retail, residential, cultural, leisure and District Centre community facilities. Mixed use high streets can encourage social interaction A well-designed high street that seeks as well as creating the right conditions to accommodate the needs of all users whilst also THE PARTNERS HAVE COME for independent businesses to flourish seeking to actively promote the identity of the throughout the day and during the area. A well-designed high street can promote evening. It is estimated that for every length of stay and increased social interactions. pound spent in a local independent shop TOGETHER TO WORK FOR that sources local produce, twice as much A Safer County District Centre money is generated for the local economy A high street that seeks to design out compared with money spent in a large crime and adopts proactive approaches THE COMMON GOOD. national or international company. to prevent crime actively promoting social – Cllr. Hanson cohesion and feelings of safety. COUNTY DISTRICT / A VISION FOR COUNTY DISTRICT CENTRE 2030

PAGE 11 PAGE 12 COUNTY DISTRICT / A VISION FOR COUNTY DISTRICT CENTRE 2030 CENTRE DISTRICT COUNTY FOR / A VISION DISTRICT COUNTY Enterprise, Employability & Training Hub The launch of a digital platform (website), together with potential investment in a “hub” type space on the High Street to support the growth of local businesses, develop skills and to create new employment opportunities. The hub will create a space for wellbeing, business growth, start-up businesses, non-traditional retail space, digital & creative workspace, THE CATALYST science & technology, engineering, art and PROJECTS: maths and training & educational programmes. DIVERSE INCLUSIVE GREENER For each of our 5 Principles that underpin the Vision, we have a series of projects and ideas that will in combination transform County District Centre by 2030. The principles and the activities proposed are briefly summarised below. For more detail on any of the projects please visit the full document online.

Business Fund County District Centre Community Hub The Council have also created a Business Fund, We are also looking to create a County District accessible to registered Liverpool businesses Centre Community Hub to deliver a flexible (either existing or those who want to start space to provide a vital base for community up within the district centre), for support to activities. This will be located at Spellow Library, improve their business or premises. and will enable a range of community uses and space to bring people together. With extensive refurbishment it will bring community uses directly into an existing community building to help kickstart physical regeneration on the high street. DIVERSE

DIVERSE INCLUSIVE WELL DESIGNED GREENER

County District Police Team County Creative Community and Additional Projects The County Creative Community project will We are also looking at a series of provide a range of creative community en- Complementary Activities that complement gagement projects, such as events and use of our overall programme, including marketing empty shops to provide temporary workshops. and importantly working with Merseyside Police to appoint additional police officers to tackle crime in County District Centre.

DIVERSE INCLUSIVE

INCLUSIVE SAFER COUNTY DISTRICT / A VISION FOR COUNTY DISTRICT CENTRE 2030

PAGE 13 COUNTY DISTRICT / A VISION FOR COUNTY DISTRICT CENTRE 2030 PAGE 14 PAGE

EVERTON Centre. District by County served have atransformational impact on the communities which are businessand facilities green and space. Both schemes would community-led retail spaces, ayouth enterprise zone, office affordableand housing, a multi-purposehealth centre, The Goodison Park Legacy Project will include high quality Centre. District Football Ground will just be over amile from County Bramley-Moore Dock in 2023. The new of home Everton when the Club moves capacity to stadium anew at 52,888 to provide community assets in the Liverpool L4 post code Proposals will see Everton’s current ground redevelopment Park ground. existing clubs Goodison of the site development the on legacy acommunity-led is Centre District County adjoins which project Park Legacy Everton Football Club’s Goodison

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A VISION FOR COUNTY DISTRICT CENTRE 2030 CENTRE DISTRICT COUNTY FOR VISION A / DISTRICT COUNTY PAGE 16 COUNTY DISTRICT COUNTY PRINCIPLE PROJECTS

• The Calmer County Initiative – exploring opportunities to slow down traffic to reduce noise and air pollution as well as improving safety. / A VISION FOR COUNTY DISTRICT CENTRE 2030 CENTRE DISTRICT COUNTY FOR A VISION FUTURE IDEAS • The Pause Project – exploring temporary and permanent closure of part An Inclusive of the high street and/or surrounding roads for alternative uses including In addition to the catalyst projects there are a whole host of ideas that could become reality markets and cultural events. in the future. To deliver a diverse County District Centre that celebrates the heritage of County the area, responds to the needs of all and supports an evening economy we propose the District • County Cycle Pilot – looking into opportunities for temporary and/or following projects: Centre dedicated cycle lanes along the length of the high street that connect to neighbouring cycle routes.

• Paint Pot Project – work with local artists and building owners to PRINCIPLE PROJECTS introduce large scale painting/murals on blank elevations and the gable end of buildings at key locations.

• The County Arts Collective – working with arts groups to identity • The Totem Project – introduction of a series of totems that act as opportunities for the creation of artist studios on the landmarks whilst providing directional information including maps as well high street. A Well as telling the history and stories of the community and buildings. Designed • The County Pop-Up Initiative – explore how vacant shop units could be • Rest & Reflect Project – looking at locations along the length of the high used for temporary or ‘pop-up’ retail that could provide an opportunity County street to introduce a series of locations for rest. for local entrepreneurs. District Centre • Illuminated County – working with art groups on a series of innovative • The County Enterprise Initiative – explore opportunities to create retail and interactive lighting projects that seek to animate the high street and uses that respond to the needs of the community and are run by the draw people to the area in the evening community. A Diverse • The HOME Initiative – exploring options for introducing homes in vacant • Bin Below – explore opportunities for the introduction of below ground County first and second floors of commercial properties as well as sites for new storage bins to address appearance and the anti-social activity associated District housing within/alongside the high street. Aimed at increasing continuous with the current bins. Centre footfall along County District Centre to also improve safety. A Safer • Closed Streets Project – looking at opportunities to open up closed off/ • The Extended Day Initiative – an initiative to further diversify the offer County gated streets that adjoin the high street to address known crime problems of our high street beyond traditional shopping. Exploring opportunities District and improve passive movement through the area. to extend activity through the introduction of leisure activities including Centre hospitality, food and beverage as well as the potential for entertainment space where this can be balanced with the needs of existing and future residents.

• The Pine Project – seek out opportunities to introduce coniferous trees to absorb pollution all year. This can reduce the risks of respiratory and cardiovascular disease, cancer, asthma and pollution related deaths.

• The Pillar Project – exploring the adoption of “green pillar systems” to retrofit city lighting columns along the high street. This improves the biodiversity of County District Centre through systems designed as habitats and food for birds, bees and butterflies. These will contribute to addressing known health conditions in the area. A Greener County • Pocket Parks Pilot – exploring opportunities to make best use of District redundant areas of public highway and other spaces to introduce Centre a series of temporary or permanent “pocket parks”. • Parklets Pilot – smaller than a pocket park we will explore opportunities for the introduction of parklets which temporarily or permanently remove one or more car parking spaces to provide space and amenities for shoppers and residents. COUNTY DISTRICT / A VISION FOR COUNTY DISTRICT CENTRE 2030

PAGE 17 PAGE 18 COUNTY DISTRICT / A VISION FOR COUNTY DISTRICT CENTRE 2030 CENTRE DISTRICT COUNTY FOR / A VISION DISTRICT COUNTY WHAT CAN WE ACHIEVE Through the County • Improves the quality of our environment District Centre Vision we want to • Improves the health of our community deliver a healthy • Improves the skills of our community high street that becomes an asset • Improves the safety of our community for the community. An asset that: • Improves the pride in our community HOW WILL WE COMMUNICATE THE VISION

We know that a key concern for residents is Our vision for County District Centre around communication, particularly regarding the Communication is that a new set of channels challenges residents face in staying updated are introduced in line with the new community with local issues and events. Whilst there are hub. The hub has the opportunity to become social media channels within the area these the heart and soul of the community and A VISION FOR COUNTY DISTRICT CENTRE 2030 / are not council operated and the messaging be the authority on everything going on on them can be quite sporadic. Knowledge in County. is power and having information on all that is going on in your local area helps you make the most of it. COUNTY DISTRICT

PAGE 19 PAGE 20 HOW WILL 2030 CENTRE DISTRICT COUNTY FOR / A VISION DISTRICT COUNTY THIS HAPPEN The council cannot on its own deliver change The council’s role will be as an enabler – to of this scale – private-sector investment will be co-ordinate development and make sure any needed. So if these ideas are to happen, we will changes benefit the people who live and work need to work with property and land owners here, and complement the wider regeneration to deliver them. We will also actively work with of County District Centre. Any changes would the County District Centre Stakeholder Group be subject to the usual statutory consent/ and other groups to bring forward the Vision. planning procedures.

This is just the beginning. The aim of the Vision was to look at what could be possible WHAT and start a conversation around that with everyone who shares the ambition to change County District Centre by 2030. We have identified a series of ideas and projects that we would like your thoughts on as how best to prioritise and deliver them for the benefit HAPPENS of the community. We want to know what YOU think. This document provides a brief overview but you can request the full vision or give your feedback on it by emailing [email protected] COUNTY DISTRICT / A VISION FOR COUNTY DISTRICT CENTRE 2030 NEXT? PAGE 21 PAGE 22 COUNTY DISTRICT COUNTY / A VISION FOR COUNTY DISTRICT CENTRE 2030 CENTRE DISTRICT COUNTY FOR A VISION

OUR COUNTY A VISION FOR COUNTY DISTRICT CENTRE 2030

/ DISTRICT COUNTY DISTRICT

PAGE 23 COUNTY DISTRICT / A VISION FOR COUNTY DISTRICT CENTRE 2030 PAGE 24 PAGE formation of this Vision: this of formation of members and the community for their in support the With thanks to the following organisations, stakeholders • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • THANKJane MacNeil Photography Mary’s St Liverpool Diocese, Liverpool for MP Walton RepresentativesBusiness RepresentativesCommunity Merseyside Fire &Rescue Merseyside Police School High Alsop Riverside Housing Onward Housing Community Everton the In Club Football Everton for RegenerationCabinet Member YOULiverpool City Council Teams Regeneration Councillors Liverpool County and Ward Mayor of Liverpool City Council Mayor Metro and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority

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A VISION FOR COUNTY DISTRICT CENTRE 2030