THE world’s longest catwalk will herald a spectacular fashion-orientated opening of the £1bn Liverpool One development.

The walkway will stretch the full length of South John Street between the two anchor stores at the heart of the project, John Lewis and Debenhams.

The May 29 event will mark the completion of Phase One of the huge city centre scheme, which is set to make Liverpool “one of the most compelling retail destinations in Europe”.

Grosvenor has also revealed that the entire 42 acres of shopping and leisure will be opened by September 30.

It is hoped that leading names from the world of fashion, including some designers and models, will be part of the historic opening of the development.

A fashion amnesty on the day will also allow shoppers to ex-change old clothes for some of the newest designer labels on show.

Crocs, the footwear firm, is the latest big brand store heading to Liverpool, signed up just days ago to occupy a new unit in Liverpool One.

Kevin O’Donovan, who will be store manager at Liverpool’s new Debenhams, said: “Our new store will be one of our most ambitious openings to date – boasting the largest children’s range outside London.

“Liverpool One is going to be great for the city, delivering a phenomenal retail experience.”

Fellow anchor tenant John Lewis is also excited about the opening which is now just four months away.

Margaret Jacques, set to be store manager for the new John Lewis, said: “We are excited to be bringing a flagship new store to Merseyside.

“Liverpool One is set to trans-form the city centre into one of the most compelling retail destin-ations in Europe.

“The imagination and scale of the project was extremely attractive to us, and we are looking forward to playing a key part in its success.”

This week, Liverpool City Council will commence work on a new traffic scheme, including public transport, which will allow improved access to the Lord Street area.

It involves the introduction of new bus stops outside the new Debenhams store new traffic signals and improved pedestrian crossings.

The work will force the closure of the junction of Lord Street and North John Street junction for 14 weeks from Sunday, January 27.

This will allow improvements before two-way traffic is allowed between Victoria Street and Lord Street.

Buses will be diverted along Castle Street and Cook Street, where temporary bus stops will be located.

Pay and display parking in Cook Street will also be suspended during this time. Cllr Mike Storey, executive member for regeneration, said: “This work is essential as part of the overall scheme.

“We are working closely with local businesses to keep them informed about progress and listening to their views about the scheme.”

The work will cost £2.2m as the latest phase of the City Centre Movement Strategy (CCMS), a £73m package of road improvements.

Work inside the construction site is progressing well on the South John Street side.

During an exclusive tour of the construction site yesterday, the Daily Post was shown retail units that appear very close to completion.

The major work on this part of the site was focused on the 14- screen cinema.

Mature trees have been planted in the parkland area above the shops in giving some shape to Chavasse Park and the planned third floor leisure level.

Heavy industrial cutters and diggers are still in action, but construction workers were also preparing for the delicate finishing touches to several units.

On the Paradise Street side of the project, much work still remains to be done with raw concrete and partly-complete shells of buildings evident.

FOR a video walk-through of the Liverpool One scheme, log onto www.liverpooldailypost. co.uk

OPINION: PAGE 10

davidbartlett