New city groups looks to future

Sep 14 2007 by Staff Reporter, Liverpool Daily Post

A NEW group has been formed in Liverpool to spearhead 21st century architecture to ensure the heritage lobby do not steal all of the limelight.

The aim of the 21st Century Liverpool Society is to promote a new point of view on developments taking place around the city.

One task of the society will be to act as a counter balance to the city’s vocal heritage lobby.

The organisation wants to take a more forward thinking approach towards the progression of the city, at a time when attention is focused on the historic World Heritage Site.

The society is made up of local architects, designers, planners, students and others with a passion for the city, who all share the view that they want to debate moving the city forward.

Co-founder Michael McDonough, an architecture graduate and society trustee, said: “We believe the city should protect its past. However, what we don’t believe is that it should be strangled by it.”

Mr McDonough says he has real enthusiasm about the city and is dedicated to the idea that Liverpool has the potential to become even greater. But he is concerned that planning issues are not given a balanced view because of “uncon-structive and anti-development stances put forward by heritage activists.

He said: “I have always had a great passion for the city of Liverpool and the amazing changes taking place in such a short space of time.”

The group’s aim is to offer new suggestions and ideas for the progression of the city.