Plans to revamp Liverpool’s Cavern Quarter approved

A major upgrade of one of Liverpool’s most iconic tourist areas has been approved.

Liverpool City Council has agreed a Spatial Regeneration Framework (SRF) for the Cavern Quarter, including Mathew Street, the focal point of the city’s Beatles tourist industry which is estimated to be worth £90m a year.

The plan is a response to council research which found visitors to the city wanted a more sophisticated offer and a “quality experiential visit” to the area, which is defined as a UNESCO City of Music.

The Cavern Quarter/Williamson Square SRF was put to the public in a five week consultation process.

Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson, said: “Liverpool’s musical heritage is an asset of global significance.

“This masterplan presents an opportunity to provide an experience which celebrates that unique offer and showcases the current scene.

“The next key step is to identify the monies needed and work with our partners to deliver these changes.”

Peter Hooton, chair of The Beatles Legacy Group, said: “This progressive and ‘visionary’ master plan is welcome news.

“The Cavern Quarter, Whitechapel and Williamson Square are home to numerous historical sites that have shaped the city’s music, and cultural heritage.

“We need to protect and develop these sites in order to enhance these world famous attractions and to ensure Liverpool celebrates the past, but also enables the creative industries to thrive in the future.”

The plan involves a range of recommendations covering the city centre zone, including:

Cavern Quarter

• Upgrade gateways into the Cavern Quarter
• Restore and enhance the character of the area including improving street furniture and building facades
• Animate blank walls and surfaces as part of a wider art and digital strategy
• Enhance attractions related to the city’s music, culture and heritage to promote a multi-offer experience to visitors
• Activate key nodes within the quarter, which offer opportunities for events and public art

Whitechapel

• Enhance the approach to Williamson Square and the Cavern Quarter via a mix of new public art, trees, lighting, balanced street principles and improved wayfinding
• Develop a strategy to celebrate and interpret the street as the original “pool of Liverpool”

Williamson Square

• Re-design the square to include flexible performance space and enhanced public realm including seating and planting
• Refurbishment of the St Johns extension building to improve the Northern elevation of the square
• Consider redevelopment of Dawson Street site if the taxi rank can be successfully relocate
• Enhance the Playhouse’s presence on the square – spill out areas, programme of events
• Activate the façade of the vacant Marks & Spencer building

The SRF will now be used to guide all future planning applications within the area.