Hundreds of people have called for lower city centre rents to revive parts of Church Street and the city centre.
The comments to the ECHO follow the announcement by Marks & Spencer that it would move from its home of almost a century, with another shop unit also set to be transformed for non-retail use. Plans were given the green light for the former Foot Locker store at 62 Church Street to be turned into an adult gaming centre.
The Foot Locker moved to Liverpool ONE in 2018 while the store has remained empty. Readers have weighed in since the news and given their opinions on what could help to revive the high street.
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Sean, 48, from Warrington, said Liverpool is no different to any other city and called for lower rents. He said: "There's been changes to every high street. I think rents are too high, especially for smaller businesses.
"There seems to be a lot more charity shops because I think they get tax relief, and more gambling establishments which is never good. Something needs to change."
Sean said there is still a "good mix of shops" on Church Street, but said it is a "bit run down". He told the ECHO: "It's not as nice as a city like Liverpool should be. Footfall is quite high and always has been.
"I'd like to see a lot more smaller businesses and food outlets, give them more of a free rein to be able to put tables out; make it a bit more European and brighten it up. Make the environment a bit more friendly."
Kayleigh, 33, from Walton, told the ECHO she thinks Church Street is "in decline". She added: "There's obviously Primark and Lush, which are good, but I feel like Bold Street has a lot of good restaurants and a good choice of different things, so they could start bringing that down this way. Especially with all the tourists.
"Anything that looks a bit derelict you could do up, and put more well-known shops in. Maybe even get some independent shops in and more restaurants, make it a bit more modern."
She added: "Maybe Church Street would be better if you put the rent down. I've worked in three different shops in Liverpool ONE and I know the rents down there are really, really high."
Pat, 61, from Aintree, told the ECHO: "There's not much down this way now. I remember Chelsea Girl in the 70s! There are lot of random shops that don't seem to last long. Everything changes so quick."
Last month Marks & Spencer confirmed it would be moving from Compton House after almost 100 years at the site. The retailer will open a new store in the former Debenhams building in Liverpool ONE next year.
For Jayne, 53, from Wavertree, change could be a good thing: "It's a shame to see Marks & Spencer move but it might be a good thing, who knows until you try. [Church Street] is not as it was. I used to come into the city four or five times a week but things change. It was a good variety, but lots are now online and change happens. That's life!"
The announcement by Marks & Spencer is the latest in a string of relocations and new openings on Church Street. Next moved from its former store and was replaced by Decathalon, while a vintage store has taken over the former Topshop.
However, the relocation of Flannels to a huge flagship site in the former Owen Owen Building on Clayton Square has created a new gateway to the city's shopping district. The department store opened its doors last month (June 2022) and features a restaurant and shopping over six floors, featuring brands such as Chanel, Chanel, Givenchy, Hermes and Gucci among others.
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