MORE than £2m will be spent improving roads in the heart of Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle after it was designated as a hub for creative businesses.

Liverpool Council wants to improve road safety and the appearance of the area following last month’s launch of £5.2m investment plan for the district on the edge of the city centre.

The scheme, designed by 2020 Liverpool, is aimed at improving access to the Baltic Triangle, which is already home to the Contemporary Urban Centre and the new Elevator Studio complex.

It would link it with the city’s waterfront, Liverpool One and the Ropewalks.

The council would spend funding from the North West Development Agency (NWDA) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) on improving pavements in Park Road, Jamaica Street and Bundell Street.

Officials are also planning a major upgrade of Jamaica Street to give it a comprehensive new design.

Its road layout would be changed with the addition of new parking bays, bus stops, cycle parking and wider pavements with new flags.

Trees would be planted and energy efficient lighting installed in both Jamaica Street and Blundell Street, hopefully improving the look and safety of the area.

The city centre’s digital signs and information boards would also be extended into the Baltic Triangle.

Businesses in the area were consulted about the scheme, with officials insisting their needs are being taken into account as the proposals are developed in detail.

If the plans are given the go-ahead, work would begin in February or March and would be completed by the end of next year.