People flock to Dock as city revamp pays off

Jun 14 2008 by Toby Chapman, Liverpool Daily Post

AT A time when motorists are queuing for petrol, and house prices seem to be locked in a perpetual downward spiral, it is heartening to have some positive news to report.

The excitement generated by the opening of Liverpool One – coupled with a halt in the roadworks on The Strand – seems to have delivered a very real boost to the retail economy of Liverpool.

Today, the Liverpool Daily Post reports that the Albert Dock has seen visitor numbers soar more than 46% – an extra 100,000 people, compared to the same week last year – thanks to its new accessibility.

And John Lewis heads are revealing that the flagship Liverpool One store has exceeded all expectations for the first week of trading.

The signs are extremely encouraging for the city centre; people drawn to Liverpool One, and the Echo Arena and BT Conference Centre, are not only looking, they are buying. Then they are heading across to Albert Dock for some more retail therapy or entertainment.

It would seem as though the vision of extending the city centre down to the waterfront really is being achieved. Certainly the traders and attractions in Albert Dock, who have weathered some fairly difficult times over the years, deserve a lucky break, and they must be delighted at such progress.

For John Lewis, the move from Church Street to Liverpool One has also proved a triumph. At a time when retailers are warning of lean times and reduced trading, the South John Street shop is reporting a promising start, with customers prepared to make some sizeable investments in home improvements.

Liverpool is experiencing a surge of confidence as it reveals a new face to the world, and the city could yet ride out an economic downturn thanks to its army of dedicated shoppers. When it comes to the credit crunch, consumers seem prepared to cut back on major spends if it means they can still enjoy themselves. Liverpool can only benefit from such an attitude.