A five point plan has been outlined to deliver a Eurovision legacy “Liverpool and its residents deserve.”
Around half a million people descended on the city throughout the remarkable two weeks of music and events coinciding with the staging of the 67th Eurovision Song Contest. Liverpool Council said it had surpassed the target of 100,000 visitors to the city and is now turning its focus on how it can maximise the legacy of having the eyes of the world on Liverpool.
Such is the success of the city stepping in to hold the major music event on behalf of Ukraine, this year’s edition has been dubbed by some as the best Eurovision ever. Former Mayor Joanne Anderson described Eurovision as one of the “city’s greatest triumphs.”
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Nuala Gallagher, newly-appointed corporate director of city development, said five key steps were the answer to securing a viable legacy for the song contest. She said: “The city’s reputation for hosting major international events has long been a major asset – thanks in part to long-term investment in our cultural infrastructure, as witnessed every day throughout the Euro Festival as scenes from the arena, the Pier Head, Liverpool ONE and the Royal Albert Dock were beamed into hundreds of millions of homes across the UK, Europe and the world."
Ms Gallagher acknowledged Liverpool is not just the city centre, adding: “Yes, it’s our shop window and how it looks and feels is crucial in promoting the city’s appeal.” The director, who took up her post in February, said the city needed to understand the challenge of developing a legacy and identify the opportunities it presented.
She said: “The challenge is to strengthen our appeal beyond tourism and further elevate the city’s standing as a great place to live, work and invest in – and deliver long-term social and economic impact.” Alongside this, analysis is taking place of where across the city’s economy can be developed.
Sites earmarked for progress, attracting investment and delivery include major locations across the city, including some long-term stalled sites such as Festival Gardens, as well as Littlewoods, Kings Dock and Anfield Square. Attention will also turn to the next phase of the Paddington Village area in Kensington.
Ms Gallagher said Eurovision had shown the world what the city had to offer. She said: “Liverpool is a city of great potential. New homes, new communities and new business parks are all in the pipeline – with a focus on building on and strengthening our high-skilled creative and knowledge based sectors.
“Eurovision has reminded everyone how great we are at hosting a party. Our welcome and tourism offer is truly world class.
“The timing couldn’t have been better as we look to begin the task of attracting investment for these major schemes. Individually and collectively they will showcase that as well as being a brilliant place in which to play, the city is also a great place to stay – to work and live in.
“That is a legacy Liverpool and its residents deserve and one we will work hard to deliver.”
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