The controversial Lime Street development is approaching its final phase after months of delay.
New images by the ECHO show how the heavily-delayed project is finally nearing completion. The scheme, which aims to regenerate the area outside Lime Street Station and St George's Hall, encountered major problems including the collapse of the main contractor and political opposition to the plans.
The collapse of original contractor NMCN last October caused significant delays and meant the city centre gateway would remain a building site for many more months. Work has been progressing since Huyton Civils was drafted in as the new contractor to secure the site and carry out essential repairs.
READ MORE: Lime Street revamp is finally weeks away from completion
In February, a revised plan for the scheme was signed off by the council's cabinet which addressed the project’s previously controversial impact on public transport. And now Liverpool City Council has confirmed work on the resurfacing programme is finalised with work to begin from midnight of July 2.
The three-week programme is the final phase of the £11m rejuvenation of the historic street. The redesign of Lime Street, which is part of a wider city centre connectivity scheme, has seen the gateway into the city reduced to one lane in both directions to improve accessibility, air quality and safety.
Buses will now be able to travel in both directions on Lime Street and there will be enhanced pedestrian crossings, improved cycle facilities, disabled parking facilities and a new bus stop outside the train station. Liverpool City Council said the expected completion is the end of July, weather dependent.
An Experimental Road Traffic Order will be implemented upon completion and will begin a six-month public consultation on the new lay-out to establish if any further changes need to be made.
Councillor Dan Barrington Cabinet Member for Environment and Highways, said: “The redesign of Lime Street has unfortunately not been a smooth journey and we can only apologise for the inconvenience the setbacks it has caused. I’m sure everyone will be pleased that the end of this scheme is now in sight. The resurfacing phase of any highways scheme always causes disruption but a huge amount of work is going on behind the scenes to minimise the impact and to speed it up where possible.
“Since the new contractor started in January we’ve all been able to see the progress that’s been made and the quality of the work is exceptional. I’m sure once it’s all complete Lime Street will be exactly what it should be – a gateway deserving of its historic surroundings, fit for the 21st century and a place we can all take pride in.”
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