THE Ropewalks area of Liverpool is getting a new image as it looks to attract more tourists and businesses.

Ropewalks lies between Liverpool’s Duke Street and Bold Street and has benefited from a major regeneration programme over the past decade.

It is now home to art galleries, independent boutiques, coffee shops and a thriving nightlife, as well as the Fact centre, the Tea Factory, Vanilla Factory and base2stay hotel.

A stakeholder group made up of residents and business representatives is now in the process of setting itself up as a “community interest company”.

This will give the group a range of benefits, such as being able to apply for its own funding to invest in RopeWalks.

Mike Stubbs, director of Fact and chair of the stakeholder group said: “Following years of change RopeWalks is without doubt a unique and exciting offer.

“It complements Liverpool perfectly in the 21st century and is increasingly a must experience district for visitors on any trip to the city. Historic buildings provide an amazing backdrop, mixed in with a cool, vibrant, contemporary and alternative vibe that provides a dose of real Liverpool for everybody, young or old. It really is a great mix.