Liverpool LGBT district set for big change
THE heart of Liverpool’s gay quarter is about to undergo a dramatic transformation.
As part of a major makeover, Eberle Street will be revamped with a unique paving and lighting scheme that will pay homage to the mythical Emerald City, Yellow Brick Road and Judy Garland.
The works, funded by Liverpool BID Company and Liverpool City Council, represent the biggest investment in the city’s LGBT quarter for a decade.
To begin early January, the aim of the innovative renovation is to celebrate the city’s LGBT heritage and community with the designs also inspired by the rich cultural history of businesses in the area such as the Artist Club, Gbar and Garlands.
The current footway material of tarmac, with concrete kerbing, will make way for a levelled street featuring contemporary paving consisting of high quality stone which works sympathetically with the existing buildings.
As a key part of Liverpool’s night life, the lighting scheme will be suspended 20 feet above Eberle Street featuring bespoke LED fixtures.
To be completed in April, it is hoped Eberle street, which lies just 300 metres from the ‘Beatles mecca’ of Mathew Street and 150 metres from Liverpool Town Hall, will become an additional tourist attraction for the city.
The project is a creative collaboration between Liverpool BID Company, the City Council, Liverpool based award winning designers BCA Landscape, Amey and numerous stakeholders from Eberle Street.
Cllr Malcolm Kennedy, cabinet member for regeneration and transport, said: “These works will give a unique look to Eberle Street in keeping with it being at the heart of the LGBT quarter.
“This is part of the city centre which is thriving and attracts many visitors and its transformation will make it an even greater attraction. Local businesses have been closely involved in the design process and are helping make this a very exciting scheme.”
The Eberle Street scheme is part of a £1.4m programme to improve walking connections north-south between the Commercial District and the retail core of the city centre.
