Mayor Steve Rotheram left “incredibly frustrated” by government decision but leaders vow to continue with plans
The planned new town would stretch across the north of Liverpool encompassing Kirkdale up towards Bootle(Image: Reach plc)
A huge plan for a sprawling ‘new town’ in Merseyside known as Liverpool North have been snubbed by the government, leaving Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram “incredibly frustrated”.
Last year the ECHO revealed plans for an entirely new town that regional leaders hoped could be created across north Liverpool towards Bootle with a view to transforming brownfield sites with thousands of new homes. Liverpool City Council put forward a submission for New Town status to the government, with the aim of expanding the northern fringe of the city into Sefton.
The new development – to be known as Liverpool North – would span 5km from just north of Liverpool city centre, across Everton, Anfield and Kirkdale and into Bootle. The proposal would lead to the development of a number of brownfield sites and encompass key locations along the route including Everton FC’s new £500m stadium at Bramley Moore Dock and the £20m Bootle New Strand development project.
New Town status is a designation given by government to certain areas in the UK that are undergoing significant redevelopment. These areas are characterised by a mix of old and new housing, commercial spaces and infrastructure.
Today the government officially backed a shortlist of 12 potential locations for the next generation of new towns, but Liverpool North did not make the cut.
Reacting to the news, Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram said: “I’m incredibly frustrated that our Liverpool North New Town bid hasn’t been taken forward.
“This is one of the biggest regeneration opportunities in the country — and today’s decision is a missed chance for government to back communities that have been overlooked for far too long.”
However Mayor Rotheram and Liverpool City Council leader Liam Robinson have vowed to continue with the plans despite the knockback from government.
Mayor Rotheram added: “Regeneration here hasn’t waited for Westminster. From Everton’s new stadium at Bramley Moore to the transformation of Bootle Strand, we’ve already begun reshaping the future of Liverpool North — working with our local partners, without central government support.
“We’ll carry on with that determination. These are proud communities, rich in history and spirit, and they deserve the same opportunities as anywhere else in the UK. I’ll keep fighting to make sure North Liverpool and South Sefton get the investment and attention it needs to thrive.”
Liverpool City Council Leader, Councillor Liam Robinson, said: “We are absolutely committed to delivering transformational change for Liverpool North.
“Naturally we are disappointed that our bid has not been successful, but doing nothing was never an option for us.
“We know the revitalisation of communities across a huge area, from Bootle through Kirkdale, to Anfield and Everton, will give the whole region a massive economic boost, provide thousands of affordable homes and create new districts providing employment, leisure and educational opportunities.
“Therefore we are already be working with our partners to find ways of delivering the scheme regardless. It may take longer to achieve, but I know there is the collective determination and will to make it happen.”
Councillor Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council, said: “While we’re disappointed not to have been shortlisted, our commitment to transforming Bootle and South Sefton remains unwavering.
“The vision for this area is bold and exciting — and we will continue working with our partners to bring it to life.
“Our communities deserve investment, opportunity and regeneration, and the work taking place to transform Bootle Town centre and the benefits afforded by the new Everton Stadium mean there is lots we can do without New Town status and we’ll continue to look at ways of working with Government to bring this vision to reality.”