Rest of March archive follows on below

TALL BUILDINGS CONSULTATION
**Important Reminder -Deadline is
END OF BUSINESS TODAY!
- get in your support for Tall Buildings**

Should the skyline and make-up of the city manifest itself as the result of the commercial drive and cultural dynamism of the city that if unleashed will in some instances lead to tall buildings being proposed in order to house this this much desired growth?

The result of tens of thousands of people who seek to help the revival of the city by returning to to live at it's heart?

Responding visually to the normal processes that occur in all other commercially buoyant cities around the world?

A result of proactively encouraged change that reflects deep popular support for our city to be progressive and 'somewhere' once again.

Fully understanding and welcoming new buildings for our city because that's precisely what Liverpool is about?


Is this 100 yr old building forever now to be only the symbol of FORMER glory...nothing ever allowed to supercede it?

OR
in response to developed codes that seek to eliminate change for extremely limited 'Heritage' based ideological reasons?

The stilted tastes of a small group of 'aesthetes' who consider it appropriate that they alone determine style across the whole city?

Attitudes formed that do not consider normal growth and commercial swagger at all desirous.

Thinking that is led by seeing the city as archeological site, rather than dynamic force, that aims to turn previous glories into 'our swan song'.

Thinking that despises 'height' and calls for the tallest of buildings in the three concessionary 'tall building zones' not to challenge the height of the Liver Bdg?


Sacred skyline or ever changing glory
- what is Liverpool's true 'tradition'?

These are just a few of the considerations, both for and against the current proposals to prevent tall buildings being constructed downtown.

We would have to dedicate this site and its hundreds of pages to the issue if we tried to cover all of the reasons why this proposal is so damaging to the hopes and aspirations that Liverpool folk have for our rebirth as a city of importance.

Are we a city (and a society) that takes advantage of the opportunities it generates and for this to result in a continually changing skyline as a result. OR, are we a city (and society) whose only interest is in paying homage to the physical manifestation of bygone eras?

This is that important as how the city grows will be determined by this. To maintain the city in its exact physical state now means that we want to be a special case city that trades on what it did in the past, rather than tap its potential by returning to its role as normal commercial and cultural metropolis in order to maintain the 'heritage landscape'. Is this truly what we want?

PLEASE?

Make sure your voice is heard and lobby to ensure our children inherit a city we can be proud of - a REAL Mini Manhattan on the Mersey


BIG is Beautiful - and bigger would be even BETTER

Please take time to read the Consultation Document. Check out our article outlining some specific
points here.

The consultation closes 4th March 2005.
email your comments to LCC Development Control here.

Downtown Easter crowds where huge
This years visitor drive is working well, if downtown crowds over the weekend are any measure...it was heaving! Attractions outside the centre also reported large increases, Knowsley Safari Park, for instance, saw traffic jams not witnessed since they first opened over 30 years ago!

Spring is in the air and downtown's looking great!

Youth to rock downtown
A week of free workshops and seminars are being held downtown this week, aimed at youngsters interested in all aspects of the music industry.

Subjects range from from DJ'ing and promotion to setting up a band. Gigs are also taking place at The Barfly and Magnet in downtown Hardman St

email or ring 0151 708 5318 to book your place. Downtown rocks!
(would downtowners please let as many people as possible know about this good downtown initiative?)

More for Downtown Week
Owners of Martins Building, downtown's most beautiful commercial building, are organising a number of guided tours for Downtown Week, which is 5th-12th June.


Stunning! The rooftop galleries

The view of the Liver Bdg from the 8th floor boardroom lobby is just not to be missed. Details as soon as we can... website is nearly ready!

Love me two!
Downtown's Matthew St Festival has proven so popular that from now on we're going to have two. Organisers say that the two events will focus separately on Liverpool bands and tribute artists.


The world famous Matthew St, home to two festivals - at least!

Good idea...and just think, the Culture Company recently handed a huge wad of money to a London firm to tell us how to exploit the Beatles!

Using it to advance the ideas lots of downtown entrepreneurs have had for years might have been better...not tapped into the 'locale' you see!

Spotted, 'Another' downtown mag
Issue two of 'Another Late Night' magazine was picked up in that ciggie shop on Castle St.

First impression is good ...comprehensive listings and events and some good articles too!

Rumourmill
Is Brunswick Quay back from the Ashes?


More when we hear it.

*Latest development LDP&E carried reports on Friday. Daily Posts lead comment was, rightly, unequivocal in its support for Brunswick being brought back into play, as something to celebrate - bizarre that the project was ever viewed as anything but good for Liverpool.

Surely those who have been steering thinking with regards to what is 'appropriate' development for Liverpool have proven that they are not worth listening to?

We HAVE said this all along. Love your city, go for growth. Onward and upwards to a bright future?

Downtown Easter - always special
There's always something special about Easter downtown. Processions, services, family and community oriented ...even the drunks seem more pleasant.

Met Cathedral lantern

Whether temporal, cultural or, most importantly this weekend, spiritual, there are thousands of things to do downtown over this holiday break.

So have a nice time, get downtown and we'll see you all Tuesday.

Get to Kenny - quick!
Discovery Home & Leisure are showing a major new series on renovation in the best 'up and coming inner city neighbourhood in the country'...our very own Kensington.

Called, rather imaginatively, Conversion, ...Follow Craig, winner of BB1 and his mate as they renovate a quite beautiful villa. Programmes are repeated constantly, so don't worry if you miss the first episode ?

Read all about it
As we constantly assert, it is the principles behind WHS and the idea that it is an appropriate tool to apply to a live, dynamic downtown, that we object to, not the fact that, architecturally we have one of the greatest downtowns anywhere. Read more here about some fantastic buildings

Victims of our own success
Due to the technical hitch Tuesday and Wednesday, caused by too many downtowners hitting the site at once we couldn't bring you the excellent news that Liverpool City Council's planning committee PASSED the 41-storey West Tower proposals this week.


Coming soon to a site near you, a fine new building. What's that we hear? You want more? Too right!

Congratulations to committee members for deciding to vote for downtown revival rather than conceding to heritage demands for museumisation...


West Tower. Only ever a good proposal credit:with thanks to Aedas and Uniform www.uniform.net

need to sort out Mann Island though (see below) and we can move on to grow the proper conservation measures that we need. We have now greatly increased the capacity of the site so don't you dare stop coming....Great!

Lot's going up
Walking downtown reveals that there are dozens and dozens of small scale projects that are building up the vitality of the city.


JMU's new tutorial block taking shape on Byrom St, just one of dozens of diverse micro projects.

Part of a longer term plan, the activity the campus generates is vital to this part of downtown. We can't wait to see what this building looks like, due for completion in August.


Growing downtown - in this case bridging the 'barrier' of Leeds St

Moles add downtown spice too!
Everyone should really get to one of downtown Liverpool's most bizarre and fascinating historical attractions this year.

All of those involved over the years in highlighting the potential of Joseph Willimsons (the mole of Edge Hill) Tunnels should be congratulated in bringing this unique asset to life for the city.

See notice of special tour in our events section)

Grosvenor snapshot
Three quick pictures showing some of the work taking place on the Paradise scheme this week (taken, p.m. 21st March 05)


Looking South from North John St

detail of 'the big hole' rapidly being filled in by the underground car park

Lord St. A once fine department store, a real shame its coming down!

Go down and take a look, there is a really good vantage point from the top storey of Paradise St carpark...hury though, as that's coming down soon too!

Downtown to...
...well, the rest of the world it should be. We didn't become. Peel Holdings, owners of Liverpool John Lennon Airport, are bring forward their plans for the next major expansion.

'The World in one City' or the biggest SEAport, by waiting for a regional transport strategy or Objective 1 hand out! Downtown entrepreneurs drove it - Literally!


Time to reflect? On who we are, what we where and where we're headed?

We reported recently that Peel Holdings seem to be taking a more positive, 'entrepreneurial approach' to JLA, long may this continue...we need it.

Downtown is at the heart of a city with an international profile. It is time to restore it to one of international clout.

How do we do this? Grants and public aid - or drive and creativity? The city's on the up, and Downtowners know the answers.

Even the food's foreign
Be sure to get down to 2005s' first downtown continental market taking place 24th-27th March.


Christmas downtown continental market - heaving - there's money in them thar stalls!

Always incredibly popular and gives a real feel of how the city used to be when really bustling, something at least that is quickly coming back. Brilliant!

Remember - street trading is good for downtown urban vitality - It's our central marketplace, not a bloody shopping mall.

You read it here first!
No, not another coup for our great downtown site, we where all beaten by that ever impressive, Glasgow based Prospect Magazine

See the initial plans for the new Mann Island museum proposals, then why not subscribe...the mag's always full of great downtown Liverpool comment and reports!

Needlessly diminutive once again
We could not leave the news item above without drawing attention to the comments of one of the architects on the museum scheme....just what on Earth does he mean? 'Didn't want the building to be 'too urban...fight the three graces...old shipyards? Where do we live folks?
Shouldn't the museum be as large as NML need in order to display their collections?

Another mad manifestation of all pandering to the 'Holy site' mentality?

Capital of Courtesy
Downtown business and organisations with a public 'interface' should ensure that they don't get a 'frowny' in the Echo's latest campaign to encourage genuinely warm and efficient service.


The SHARP end of the 'public interface', always pleasant, always courteous!

Despite the letters pages we must say that we don't often find morons in positions downtown where dealing with the public is important...most companies do well in the 'Scouse welcome' stakes.

Downtown's at the heart of 'the World in one City'
There are all sorts of different things going on downtown that helps to make it so rich and interesting and we want to hear about them to build up our latest section of the site.

Activities like the monthly 'Groovy Latin Nites' and the weekly Salsa evenings @ Kiss the Red on Hardman St are just the types of things we want to list.

If you're interested in a little Latin style then call 07956-940-866 or visit the website

Not sure about Paradise? Take a look at Eden
First pictures of Downing Developments Hatton Gardens 'Eden Square' project spotted in the latest 'Your Move' mag.

Original proposal for a taller tower was rejected for reasons that only make sense in Millennium House, but still, a good addition to downtown.

Reaping the whirlwind?
Since the announcement of the replacement scheme for Concourse House in Lime St was made, it's all been quiet...too quiet.

Site preparation begins for St Paul's Sq project, but where's the next biggy?

Have developers taken WHS, backward and provincial planning decisions, anti tall building proposals etc, as an understanding that the city really doesn't want a commercially led downtown revival?

Have they taken the hint, gone elsewhere? Let's hope we hear something soon.

N.B. A quick glance through PAD property mag, which can be picked up free at a number of points downtown (we got ours in Cafe tabac, top of Bold St) shows what is being imposed on the bulk of downtown development here, as opposed to what Leeds and Manc are doing, is definitely 'lower league' - more like the stuff in Halifax and Shipley.

Taking a professional look at downtown
The Open Eye Gallery in downtown Wood St is expanding its already impressive range of services.

As well as the usual exhibitions and seminars, you can book private group tours, and they have more programmes aimed at helping people develop their photographic skills for the professional market.

Keep an eye on Wood St - home to a growing number of creative groups

Great stuff ...Liverpool, city of creativity. Making a living out of your talent is surely important to what Capital of Culture is all about?

Downtown's growing - as is our site
Just a quick reminder to all to take a good look around the site, especially the recently archived material, our latest e-digest and Comment sections.

Eat in or take home to prepare yourself, downtown has specialty shops from around the world - but are there any from the Med?

The forum is moving along nicely, but can you help with any of the queries that have been posted? For example one downtowner has asked for information on specialist Mediterranean food shops downtown or around the city...can you help?

Downtown is booming - stay informed and get involved. Help us to keep this site fresh and informative too by sending any news, opinion and events that highlight all the good that's going on downtown.

Stop sitting at that computer
Get out and get downtown. The forecast for this weekend is great. Lots to do and see, especially if you haven't been down for a while, some great squares to just sit in and watch the world go by.

Or how about taking in the waterfront? Grab a coffee, watch the ships and go see the growing development on Princes Dock? ? If you enjoy, then make it a regular habit

Warm, sunny days at last. Let's hope we have seen the end of that over long winter?

Downtown, don't you just love it? Especially when warmer days starts bringing out the crowds

No rush for 24 hr drinking
The BBC report concerns that town and city centres would descend into round the clock Bacchanalian debauchery when the new licensing regime was introduced have been shown to be misplaced.

Take up nationally has been miniscule, with applications numbering in the low dozens.

Neither Liverpool or Manchester have had any applications, not even just for extensions and variations in opening times, rather than unlimited hours.

So downtowners can sleep easy in their beds knowing that we may indeed be easing towards a more sophisticated 'continental' type of 24 hour society, rather than the feared Sodom and Gomorrah!

N.B. Downtown licensees are advised that they MUST contact their local authority even if they only want to have the option to vary their trading hours at some later time- deadline for applications and declarations of interest is August. (Also - anybody considering a 'special event' should check first too, as you may now need some sort of license or formal permission for your 'one off'. Better to be safe than sorry. These new arrangements by agreement are a bit of a minefield for all of us!)

Who is it? What's that about?
If you're interested in downtown's many statues, wondered what some of them are about, or would like to become involved in ensuring their future then you will be pleased to hear that new group 'Friends of Liverpool Monuments' are on a campaigning foot.

Not too bad, given a spring wash and brush up, but other monuments are in a serious state of deterioration

A newsletter (click 'projects' then scroll down) is out and a programme of activity is being arranged. Email for more news.

Historical reference
If you are interested in digging into Liverpool's incredible history when downtown was the heart of the greatest commercial city, then this is a great site.

Don't go overboard though and start insisting that we should visually recreate it - oops, isn't that what some are already trying?

Why not drop in for a coffee?
We reported last year that downtown coffee houses where hot places to do business, now Business Liverpool are finally having a go.

This long planned facility is a welcome addition to downtown's ever improving business environment, with the additional benefit that you can get loads of business info while you sip your cappuccino.

This part of town is fast becoming a bustling, vibrant district again, so get down to Chapel St and give it a try...will they do those nice little biscuits though, we wonder?

Broadening Horizons
City centre living has helped downtown tremendously (remember this from 01?), but where it may have been a little lacking was in diversity of tenure, though we maybe at last be beginning to see a broadening of offer.

Exchange Flags - redevelopment plans back on course?

Last weeks news that more affordable housing is planned as part of the Kings Dock scheme was great, but this weeks news that the proposed redevelopment of Exchange Flags will include the same is fantastic.

Imagine being able to look out onto Europe's greatest urban square from your living room window (well, we admit that the Popes view from his apartment may be better)- without paying £Billions for the pleasure!

Interesting aside
Funny little site from the US with a few nice pics of downtown on it. A son of Manchester sings our city's praise - great talent . A downtown ghost story, and some salient comments from two home boys.

Downtowns need unique experiences
We came across this travellers review site and look what the discerning traveller has to say about one of our better downtown business.

The Racquets Club, nice doors!

This is just the type of innovative re-use of our heritage assets that we need. The Hope St Hotel is a roaring success, the conversion of the old Municipal Annexe is underway and we hear now that there are plans afoot to convert both the former Royal Insurance Bdg in North John St and the former Fruit Exchange in Victoria St into boutique-type hotels - brilliant stuff!

From one time advertising hoarding to swanky hotel - The Fruit Exchange Bdg

Should help to bump the visitor numbers back up too.

Some of the reviews of our more 'famous' hotels are quite embarrassing, so much so actually that we couldn't bring ourselves to put up a link!

Happy St Patrick's Day -17th March
As always there are many, many events taking place in our consummate Celtic city on Thursday, watch the local press for info, but for a touch of authentic Scouse Irish culture downtowners should enjoy this parade and get together in the 'spiritual heart of the metropolis'.

Why not join the 'Scottie Rd St Patrick's Day Parade'?

3.p.m. start
Route: Tithebarn St - Vauxhall Rd - Eldonian Way - Limekiln Lane - Silvester St.
Followed by live Irish music at the Silvestrian from 4-8pm.

Everyone welcome - just join the parade or get to the Silvestrian later on.

Worth a decko
We have just come across this interesting little site by Mersey Business Advantage that is packed full of good economic and other important info for the metropolitan area.

Getting downtown priorities right
London Rd Business Centre is undergoing a major facelift that will enable it to continue giving vital support to many downtown micro-business.


Futures looking good for London Rd's Garment District

Everton Development Trust who run the centre provide excellent support, we should know, in 2001 the genesis of a downtown organisation took place in this building! Email Kevin Kirby or ring 0151 298 2478 for details.

Other downtown incubators and managed workspace can be found at Businessliverpool.

Another reason to come downtown
Those on Liverpool's Left Bank face a 13% increase in parking charges. Makes the 10p rise in tunnel tolls easier to swallow. Better still, why not let the train take the strain?

We say - Save money, shop downtown.

By George!
The work of Bronx-born, Liverpool-trained artist, George Adamson, who recently passed away, has been put online by his family. There are a couple of unbelievably good images of mid century downtown. Full story

BID rejected - for time being
The proposal to formalise downtown's 'City Central' Business Improvement District has been rejected in the first vote on the issue.


Sunny days? Could be much brighter for scouse entrepreneurs with a BID

The 'NO' vote, significantly though, was only carried in the 'aggregate rateable value' poll (smacks of 'Old Labour' block votes?). The 'one to one' vote was in favour of proceeding with the BID.

We fully support the BID proposals for downtown as it gives local downtown business interests control over events that have a major impact on them and BID'S are a font for good ideas generated by downtown entrepreneurs to be realised.

We think you know our feelings on Quango' initiatives? BID's are nothing of the sort.

A second vote will now be arranged and we would encourage you all to get out and vote in support.

A quick trip around this site should provide enough evidence and examples of the marvelous effect well ran BID's can have...and if for nothing else who else is going to come up with the ideas that will stop the retail 'shift' down to the Paradise scheme?

Give us a break!
Business around Brunswick St are facing upheaval once again. This time it is services being moved from Castle St in preparation for the downtown tram route.


Brunswick St undergoing major improvements only last year

Can we have some joined up thinking? Whilst we support the major works taking place, things like this must be avoided. Please try and support the small business affected here when you can?
N.B. Programme has been put back till after Easter and now will not start until March 29th

Inspiring tomorrow's downtowners
A number of downtown, design and cultural concerns, including Liverpool Vision, The Culture Company, Grosvenor and Liverpool Plus have teamed up to bring school parties downtown for a week of walks, talks and presentations.

The aims is to explore current regeneration and, more importantly, the relevance of it to the kids future.

Part of a CABE project, it will only be running for one week, but this excellent idea should be extended to give all kids the chance to see 'the downtown approach'. More please?

Info Galore
Having dropped by Liverpool Vision's downtown office to take in the public exhibition about plans for the commercial district and pick up some bumph (loads of it ...worth a visit just to get that), we where struck by a point ...or two


Get along to see the exhibition

Given current proposals to limit substantial development to just three extremely restricted downtown areas, and with all partners committed to the commercial district scheme, then what a fantastic opportunity to substantially 'up' the height and intensity of it?

This is especially pertinent given a number of vital points:

-That this scheme falls into one of the zones.

-Liverpool has a huge deficit of grade A office-space.

-We have an unquenchable demand for downtown residential.

-Potential development sites within the zones are actually extremely few in number (especially for even only moderately tall buildings).

Are the current proposals a little too wasteful of a valuable (and limited) downtown development opportunity?


What do we do now?
Could this become the plaintive cry once all the 'tall building zones' are full (mainly with low-rise stuff) and someone wants to house 2k+ staff downtown. Now there's a quandary.

Museum goes all mod
Downtown's main museum's extensive renovation includes these new entrance signs, that thankfully have a contemporary edge to their design - be sure to visit soon?


A downtown museum gets a touch of the 'moderne'


'Evidence of prosperity and vitality'
Exactly! It's the only reason things get built. Wonderful article inspired by the work of regular downtowner Jamie Dunmore.

Joseph Sharples somewhat misses the Shang Hai point though. Sure its much bigger, but it has over 2,500 new skyscrapers...50 or 100 in 'lil ole Liverpool' would mean it was working AND looking great.

Also - interesting times down at Albert Dock


New hub growing downtown
Excellent story from icliverpool (no link strangely) that completely passed us by.

Already the new home for the Bluecoat bookshop and loads of interesting firms, Gostins Bdg in downtown Hanover St is now also set to become home to dozens of small business moving out of the Palace in Slater St (being turned into apartments).

Excellent news for continuing downtown growth, creativity and diversity!

Why not have two?
And West Tower, and the original proposals for the Unity site, the Fire dept headquarters, McLeans tower on the Herculaneum...ad nauseam!

Maro's decision to go to appeal is to be applauded, and BACKED by all those who want to see downtown represented by contemporary design that will improve on our old stuff.

News that negotiations may lead to the tower being built elsewhere downtown gives us our headline. Our planners have it utterly wrong on the basics.

Going ahead with this and future proposals for city-scale developments will only be carrying on Liverpool's tradition as a trading city, as you see in the U.S., Canada, Australia, China ...though, we admit, maybe not what you see in a few European cities that ceased to exist as commercial entities centuries ago!

We've said it before...GET RID!
What ever your views on football stadia (we have long said that we would like to see a downtown stadium shared by both clubs) you must find this continual meddling in the city's affairs by external and unaccountable groups an affront.


City Hall, Downtown - Heart of metropolitan democracy? Not while the city is infested with 'carpetbaggers'

NWDA, NWRA, GONW along with a host of other 'regionalist' quangos and agencies, must be wound up immediately - then we can see what city based ones can follow them!


Count us in too!
A plea by incoming Liverpool Chamber of Commerce CEO Jack Stopforth is one that current commissars would do well to take on board. Decent business representation, and more importantly, that representation being listened to and engaged is absolutely essential if we are to truly revive as a commercial entity.

Just so many to choose from
Channel 4 are asking folk to nominate the building they would most like to see demolished. We recommend..

Commutation Plaza - just one of many terrible new downtown buildings we may vote for

and another - Monument Place...sad!

Amongst many other candidates downtowners could consider nominating are Cathedral Chambers, Dukes Terrace and of, course, that constant shame...


The Halifax Building on the Strand!

These really do afflict the city profoundly in ways that those sited in the Echo for example, just don't!

An extra thank you to you all
Despite a few major problems in the last few months, not least there being the need to concentrate on the impending (anti) tall buildings policy, the number of our regular 'return' visits to this site continues to go through the roof.

So, a big thank you downtowners for your continued interest, patience and support. Many people have told us that the site is a valuable resource, we're glad that our hard work is useful, and appreciated.

All things being well we're fully back on track now with regards to providing lots of fresh, regularly updated, downtown news and insight...so keep checking in?

Take a good look around the site. You will see some changes and new additions. be especially sure to check the archive and forum?

We will be sending our next e-digest out very soon, so please encourage anyone you think would be interested to sign up to ensure they receive it....we don't 'spam' the digest, you have to sign up to get it - Cheers

It's that time of year again
Downtown entrepreneurs can shine again in this year's Daily Post regional Business Awards.

Phone 472-2711 or e-mail for details on how to enter your business for these excellent awards.
Best of Luck to you all

two stories from Business Week
Entrepreneurs to shape economic policy priorities
Our downtown entrepreneurs must ensure that they have their say in this potentially vital new initiative. We have called for this for years and now there is the chance for real value...full story here


Business Liverpool one of best agencies of its type in the world. As the business community grows it is essential that multi partnership agencies deepen the role entrepreneurs take in shaping the services they provide ...looks like Business Liverpool are doing just that. WELL DONE

N.B. make sure you get the Daily Post each Wednesday and the Echo every Monday for the very best business intelligence available downtown and throughout the metropolis.