Liverpool is continuing its recovery from Covid-19 as new figures show visitors to the city centre have exceeded 2019 levels for the first time in a ‘normal’ week since the pandemic began.
The data, collected by the Liverpool Business Improvement District, shows that in the week March 7 to 13, 1,314,115 people travelled in and out of the city centre. This figure represents a 0.4% rise on 2019 levels and is the first time since March 2020 that 2019 levels have been exceeded without a school holiday or holiday to account for an increase.
Liverpool BID Company, a non profit organisation which oversees Liverpool's central commercial districts, has been monitoring footfall levels in the city centre retail areas since March 2020 as an indication of people returning to the city centre, and also as a broad tool of economic confidence and resilience. Just over two years ago, when the first full national lockdown began, the city centre’s footfall figures plummeted from 1,266, 662 people 782,209 by the following week.
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The city centre has gradually got back to its feet after three phases of lockdown and element of social distancing measures. The October half term in 2021 saw footfall exceed its 2019 comparison figure, but last week is the first time without a key event to account for the traffic.
While the high street was already undergoing significant change prior to the pandemic, the impacts of lockdown has accelerated certain aspects of its transformation. This has included a number of big name retailers closing down or leaving units, with a growing leisure and activity offer taking their place.
In January it was announced that the former Debenhams department store in Liverpool One would would be given permission to house an in-door go kart track. On Church Street, plans have also been submitted to convert the basement of the former Next department store into a bingo hall. On Castle Street, a ‘shooting range’ and cocktail bar has proven a popular addition to the area since it was opened in September 2021.
Speaking about the latest footfall figures, Bill Addy is CEO of Liverpool BID Company, said: “The pandemic is not over, and we know that footfall data doesn’t necessarily translate into economic spending, but this is a positive sign. Liverpool has proved to be resilient over the past two years and it is because the city centre is a pull for everyone. The strength of the city is in its mixed-use offer, from culture to shopping, hospitality and nightlife. The storm isn’t over quite yet and we still have rebuilding to do, but this data shows we are going in the right direction."
