Work to upgrade one of Liverpool’s most thriving cultural neighbourhoods is to recommence next week.
For almost three years, work has been paused on the Ropewalks area of the city, to the south of the city centre, after funding to complete a second stage improvement wasn’t available to Liverpool Council. Now millions of pounds made available through the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority are to be used to strengthen and uplift the existing infrastructure.
The Ropewalks area is characterised by its long straight streets packed with vibrant food, drink and live music venues with locations along Bold Street and Seel Street, alongside landmarks such as the Bombed Out Church and the Bluecoat. A contract was awarded for a phased revamp of the district by Liverpool Council in 2020.
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The city council has confirmed the second phase of the revamp will take place from Monday February 13 with all works to be carried out between 7.30am until 6.00pm Monday - Friday. Some weekend working may be necessary, but noisy breaking works will not take place before 9am.
Many of the streets within this area suffer traffic issues, particularly related to safety, congestion and failure of the existing pavements and footways. The first section of the revamp, in Wood Street and Slater Street, was completed in 2021 and 2022.
However, as Liverpool Council did not have the required funding available for the next stage, progress was halted. More than £5m is now being spent on the next phase to get underway.
Delays in obtaining funding have resulted in the expiry of original bid prices by contractor Graham Construction, submitted in 2020. As a result, cost increases are said to have risen 20% with Graham Construction informing Liverpool Council it could not keep to its original price.
The scope of the works include strengthening and replacement of the existing carriageway and footway construction, replacement of the existing natural stone setts and slabs with the aim of reducing trip hazards, and upgrading the existing street lighting and street furniture including bins, bollards and benches. Liverpool Council is now consulting with businesses to ensure no construction works taking place within areas that are expected to attract the highest visitor numbers.
Between April 17 and May 19, work will not take place on Fleet Street, between Slater Street and Hanover Street. During that period, works will be limited to Colquitt Street and Fleet Street.
It is anticipated phase 2 of the Ropewalks scheme will be completed by the Autumn. Cllr Dan Barrington, cabinet member for climate change and highways, said: “The Ropewalks district has developed over the past decade into a hugely popular destination and is now a vital engine in Liverpool’s creative and night time economies.
“Due to the nature of the narrow roads and the sheer volume of people and traffic attracted to the area, congestion, air pollution and road safety has become a big issue and the council has been looking at ways to improve the experience especially for pedestrians and cyclists. Phase two of these works were planned long before the city decided to even bid for Eurovision, but given that the city centre will be bustling with visitors in late April and into May I’m glad we’ve been able to listen and work with local businesses to change the works programme and minimise the impact of this scheme.”
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said areas like Ropewalks with a “vibrant mix of creatives and independents” give Liverpool city centre its distinct identity, and leaders “want to protect that character and heritage for years to come.”
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