We’ve come a long way since a concept breathed life into Liverpool

Sep 19 2007 by David Bartlett, Liverpool Daily Post

We’ve come a long way since a concept breathed life into the city

A FEW years ago, Liverpool had the stated aim of becoming a 24-hour city. The man behind the concept, Cllr Mike Storey, executive member for regeneration, explains how far it has come.

“WHAT does the phrase 24-hour city mean? Does it conjure up pictures of non-stop Las Vegas-style entertainment?

“Bars and clubs which never close with all the con- sequential problems is one interpretation of the phrase.

“But there is an- other way of looking at it. A 24-hour city is one in which there is life and activity throughout all of its parts. If you wanted something which was the antithesis of that, think back to Liverpool city centre 10 to 15 years ago.

“On any weekday evening, you could have switched the lights off at 6pm, only opening for business at 8am the following morning.

“The number of people living in the centre could be meas- ured in the hundreds, nightlife was limited, to say the least, and the Good Food Guide could have been writ- ten on the back of an envelope.

“I remember a couple of executives from Grosvenor coming to the city when they were starting on their massive Liverpool One development having a great problem in finding a restaurant open at night. Contrast that now with the buoyancy of the city centre.

We are heading towards a population of 20,000, have a thriving bar and café culture, great cultural venues and an increasing number of visitors.

“Liverpool is a much more attractive place to live, and that applies to all parts of the city.

“With new hotels, restaurants and bars, shopping develop- ments and leisure facilities such as the Arena and Convention Centre, it is a vibrant and thriving place, well on the way to becoming a true 24-hour city.”