Liverpool One spearheads new hope for city

Sep 13 2008 by Toby Chapman, Liverpool Daily Post

THERE is no doubting that Liverpool One is one of the most exciting developments in the country. It is an extraordinary addition to Liverpool that adds immensely to the city’s status as a quality visitor destination.

So it is no surprise that the man behind this phenomenon has adopted a pragmatic and determined approach when it comes to dealing with an economy that is less than buoyant.

The Duke of Westminster, the owner of Liverpool One developer Grosvenor, says the economic downturn has meant some creative thinking needed to be employed, ahead of the opening of the second phase of the £930m development at the start of October.

A variety of tactics, including rent-free incentives, have been implemented to ensure Liverpool One presents a thriving face to the world.

It is good for the traders who are already in situ to see premises around them filling up, good for other city centre businesses who can capitalise on the influx of thousands of extra visitors every weekend, and good for the city as a whole, as coachloads of shoppers arrive, purses at the ready, keen to enjoy the Liverpool One experience. Indeed, retail giant John Lewis says that, while trading figures show how tough the past six months have been across the UK, the bright spot is the flagship store in Liverpool One, where business is booming, to say the least. Chairman Charlie Mayfield said the relocation of the Liverpool John Lewis store from Church Street to Liverpool One in May had “exceeded expectations”.

The Liverpool One success story moves forward again with the opening of its second phase next month. And the busy run-up to Christmas, followed by the buzz created by the January sales, will bring another vital trading period.

The UK may be on the brink of a recession, according to experts, but there is still plenty for Liverpool to be optimistic about. Liverpool One is a real example of why the city should have confidence in its future.