A prospective date for the resumption of a major redevelopment of a Liverpool thoroughfare has been identified.
It was confirmed upon the city securing the right to stage the Eurovision song contest back in October that works on the second stage of upgrades to the Strand would be halted while Europe descends on Liverpool. The multi-million pound revamp of The Strand from Bath Street to James Street was finalised in November last year after work began in June 2020. In a bid to improve links for pedestrians and cyclists between the city centre and waterfront, new trees and public spaces were installed.
In a Liverpool Council cabinet update on progress around the Liverpool City Centre Connectivity programme, a date for commencement of the second phase has now been mooted. It said: “Due to Liverpool hosting Eurovision 2023, a review has been undertaken of works proposed in the City to determine the impact they may have on hosting of the event.
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“It has therefore been determined that the construction of the Strand Phase 2 and Tithebarn schemes will be rescheduled to after the Eurovision event in May 2023. Dates are yet to be determined, but potentially could start in July 2023 in the new fiscal year to provide sufficient time to value engineer.
Before last year’s completion, the Strand has remained largely unchanged since the 1950s. It had been expected on completion of the first section, the second phase of the £22m project would begin by Spring this year.
The works will include major changes to Strand between James Street junction and Liver Street. These will be the continuation of segregated cycle lanes, new traffic signal equipment at all junctions, road markings and traffic signs, LED street lights, street trees, drainage improvements and carriageway resurfacing.
As part of the first phase, a lane was removed in both directions as well as a number of junctions. A new segregated two-way cycle lane was put in place as well as new seating and the planting of more than 80 trees.
To date, Liverpool Council has spent more than £66m on major projects including Lime Street, work at Tithebarn Street - the contract for which will be awarded next year. The overall City Centre Connectivity Scheme - which included Lime Street, The Strand and demolishing flyovers - had been expected to cost the city around £47m when it was first announced.
This figure rose to £55m come 2021, rising again in July last year.
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