Taxi! Make mine a yellow one
Thanks to another Neil Hodson exclusive we now know that Big Apple Rides are bringing a little bit of New York City to ol' downtown Liverpool.

The streets of downtown Liverpool? Possibly, if entrepreneur, Joe Swindell's business takes off [credit USA Today]

TAPPING THE DOWNTOWN DYNAMIC
1. Putting enterprise were it should be
MSIF have launched a new initiative that should seriously ratchet up the help available to downtown's nascent entrepreneurs.

We will know that the city is to truly become Capital of Enterprise when this type of news is splashed across the front page of the Daily Post and Liverpool Echo! Why on Earth there is still no specific downtown initiative like this though is beyond us.

2. In new thinking we (Civically) Trust
An interesting report [download-PDF] has just been released by the Civic Trust as part of their three year national programme that aims to both analyse the current situation with town and city centre's evening & Night-time economy's as well as aiming to envision options for future growth and well-being.

It's subject areas are a little limited, but then our downtown project was originally envisioned itself to help counter this exact problem. It provides scope to explore the complex environments that downtown's are and may be one of the stimuli that sharpen the focus on downtown Liverpool. All in all though, an interesting start. Find out more by visiting the website

3. Assisting entrepreneurs rather than subsidising ghettos
One particular niche that is to get some help that may lead to further and better enterprise support was announced today. Liverpool City Council is exploring ways in which downtown's creative and entrepreneurial community could maximise the 'Pink£' ...by asking the advice of GAY MEMBERS OF THE DOWNTOWN COMMUNITY ...HOW NOVEL!

Much better than following through the quite bizarre notion raised 3 years ago in response to a trip to Manchester's Gay Village, to subsidise one of our own ..with appropriate actors we suppose?

Members of our creative and entrepreneurial community who happen to be gay already do a sterling job and asking them them how to grow this niche will be a vital part of what should be a much wider, comprehensive investigation into how we can tap the downtown dynamic that is unique to Liverpool.

You have to laugh ..or break your heart
Two more pieces from icliverpool that highlight some real flaws ...like 'don't bother actually doing any of this downtown waterfront stuff yourself, just get others in to talk about what THEY did instead' - pitiful

Silk purses out of sows ears ..a downtown specialty
Wilkinson Eyre, architects of the new Liverpool Arena have taken on loads more staff to cope with the work. Their new car park off Liver Street does the amazing trick of making a car park look interesting!

Get downtown to have a look, but take our advice and go by train as we even heard two elderly ladies in a charity shop in Woolton complaining about the parking problems in the city centre!

Shrink fit
As downtowners will already know, the second proposed tower at Lime Street has, sadly, had 4 floors lopped off the top in the hope of getting it through the planning committee.

We hope they get permission for the new proposal, though we would prefer it if developers, Chieftan, had stuck to their guns and resubmitted their original scheme. The planners who object will not be happy until they remove everything except four floors, so it probably won't matter that they have chopped a bit off.

Ah, the old ones are always the best, much better this one than the new stunted version

Broadly, the tower looks the same. As Chieftan say, how can a tower 200m further back from Lime Street have 'more impact' than one (part of a public-sector led scheme) adjacent to it that has just won planning approval? The mind boggles.

Dead good thinking
The latest issue (Sept 19-25th) of The Big Issue contains a really good article on the latest scouse musical manifestation, 'The Dead Sixties'. As the old saying goes, 'out of the mouth of babes'

What they have to say about popular music and a certain obsession is absolutely spot on. If you extrapolate it out into other areas of Liverpool/downtown culture, urbanism, architecture, heritage etc ...you get the picture? ..you will, unless of course you don't buy a copy from one of downtown's many fine vendors of this increasingly interesting magazine! (also has a good interview with 'Mr Manchester' ...he just can't help himself!)

Still an interesting time for politiking...not!
it's that time of year once more, when party political careerists gather to pretend that the congregations are still a time for serious policymaking, intellectual discourse and effective debate. A shame really that genuine influence through conference has been snuffed out, as these events used to be quite riveting, exhilarating even.

If any downtowners managed to stay awake during last week's Lib Dems bash you may have noticed that theirs is still about real politics at least.

One debate was 'Can cities accelerate rural renaissance?' (of course they can) We wonder if there was anything in it of use for Mike and the crew? We can't wait for the upcoming New Labour and floundering tories jamborees!

'Talking' of which (only half tongue in cheek)
A couple of websites (1 - 2) that may be of use to some of the more timid would be bloggers amongst our community of downtowners.

One of the ongoing frustrations we come up against, is people's fear of perceived repercussions should they dare to openly critique or proffer views, even on issues that they may be passionate, and often right about.

That is not good for the ongoing well being of our city. Not only does it stifle objective, independent and informed debate, in the most insidious, self censoring way, it is extremely damaging to basic principles of free speech that help check assumptions of those in power that they are beyond reproach.

Urban Design Charter - think METROPOLIS!
Whilst the five boroughs in the township of Liverpool wrangle and discuss the pros and cons of Merseytram. In London, all 33 boroughs have come together to launch an Urban Design Charter.

An initiative of Urban Design London, the new group of elected members from 33 local authorities who have been nominated as Design Champions, the charter calls for commitment to quality placemaking and design excellence across the capital. What chance Wirral signing up to this one?!

Twin Cities
Meanwhile, more evidence of the growing evidence of Manchester flexing its muscles and functioning as a real city. Not only did it have the balls to merge its two universities last year but now Salford's urban regeneration company , Central Salford, has launched a campaign to encourage a 'complementary' programme with Manchester. What chance Sefton, Knowsely, Wirral leaders doing likewise? Pygmies, the lot of em ....?

Congratulations
at last for the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce who appear to be pulling their finger out in terms of lobbying govt with the support of their members. Recent email campaigns to members have called on businesses to support direct flights to NYC from JLA, a passionate plea from David Wade-Smith to fight for Merseytram and regular invitations to complete their online business survey.
 
One plea from us though, why does much of the Chamber's publicity material in print and online look so tired and old-fashioned - come on LCCI you have plenty of members who are creative design agencies working in the city. Use them!

Digging Their Own Hole
Welcome relief for weary downtowners that Berry St will be finished soon. Thank goodness we have been kept informed by the Big Dig website - but hang on  - the news page hasn't been updated since JULY.
 
The explanation for this on the homepage reads:
 "Please note that this site is undergoing technical improvements until Wednesday 21st September."
 
Updating this site has clearly taken as long as the building works, we wonder if they used the same contractors? In the meantime we would ask all downtowners to keep an eye out for these  ' technical improvements ' later today.
 
How can a  '£3b  development' which has taken such a battering in the press AND keeps encouraging us to visit the website not even maintain a website? Patience and time is running out for Liverpudlians ...and more particularly, is needlessly hurting business
 
 
Little Warsaw
Wavertree, on downtown's eastern fringe, has seen the intriguing opening of a Polish food shop on Picton Road. Could this be the first and welcome signs of a new round of immigration and cultural diversity to 'ole Liverpool town? 

Get your hands on the September edition of  Insider magazine (no weblink, sorry!) where business leaders give an overwhelming thumbs-up to Polish migrant workers as the antidote to work-shy Britons.

Blooming plans for 06
The Friends of St. James (the grounds behind downtown's Anglican cathedral) are meeting to make plans for 2006 and beyond.

Takes place Monday 10th October at 6.30pm. In particular, Robin Riley is looking for people to help with some of the work in organising the Friends. All are welcome

This is an excellent downtown project, so if you can get along then do so?, Email Rebecca Lawson directly so she knows how many to expect and she can send you details of where we are meeting.

An eye to the recent past
Excellent photographic website, Liverpool Pictorial have a selection of classic pics of downtown in the 1950s' and 60s' taken by photographer Brian Saville.

Bright lights of St Georges' Place

Great pictures of a continually evolving city that, inadvertently lends the lie to the idea that the city has been kept in Victorian aspic, take in the changes since these pictures were taken.

Another great Hopes event
The annual HOPES Adrian Henri State of the Arts on Merseyside Address is taking place
Wednesday 21 September 2005
12.30 pm for 1.15 pm lecture (depart, 2.15 pm) in the Rodewald Suite of the Philharmonic Hall in downtown Hope Street

This year's speaker is The Chairman of the Liverpool Culture Company, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Liverpool Prof. J Drummond Bone.

Pedestrian Entrance on Sugnall Street.
Wheelchair Access via Stage Door, Caledonia Street.
Please feel free to bring a guest ...should be good

No longer towing the (tram) line
We have always been a little ambivalent in our appreciation of the Merseytram proposals, unable as we are to decide whether it was a great piece of infrastructure that would enable us to develop an efficient mode of transport on which to build a proper series of high density neighbourhoods to be served along it's route ...or ...whether it has always been simply a scam to run mega millions £s through a number of public and semi public bureaucracies?

So we would urge that criticism of Sefton Council's possible change of heart should be carefully weighed before any outright condemnation is attempted. We are surprised that the usually incisive icliverpool felt able to unequivocally state about the project "So Sefton's refusal could mark the end of the line for a project which offers vital regeneration benefits for the whole region"

Perhaps Sefton, blanching at the obligation, now that money will have to be raised within the metropolis, rather than 'factored in' from outside sources, are in fact doing us all a favour in the long term?

Could they also have taken a brave first step in breaking what has for too long been a suffocating collusion of mutual support amongst these bodies for each others pet projects and funding strategies, no matter how detrimental they may be to the greater good!

Let's hope that this is so and that we begin to see more of a focus on genuine regeneration, rather than the continuing strategies that are solely aimed at generating grant aid rather than effective change?

Playing house to the facts
Tenantspin and Collective Encounters are to present an exercise in interactive theatre and on-line debate about housing, neighbourhood and urban renaissance.

The widespread proposals for regeneration of homes in both north and south Liverpool is increasing the need for new methods of capturing, disseminating and sharing the opinions of communities. Residents from Anfield and Breckfield have been training with Collective Encounters developing performance skills and using forum theatre to explore and solve these fundamental issues.

Housing issues need to take a much more imaginative, pro-Urban approach, and that's a FACT

The webcast will showcase their work and includes a short performance by north Liverpool residents, followed by an open forum in which south Liverpool tenants are invited downtown to test out the proposed solutions.

Audiences are welcome to attend all live webcasts. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to show time.
 
The Box
Fact
Wood Street
2PM- Thursday the 15th of September

Playing Dominos' downtown
Small independent initiatives are what give downtown it's unique vibe and uber-cool Domino Gallery (Newington, off Renshaw St) constantly comes up with the goods.

If you would like to attend a private viewing of Liverpool artist, David Shiers most recent works then email Felicity or call her on 07775 605 326. Takes place this coming Friday (16th Sept), 7-9p.m

Mersey sunset

The following evening (17th Sept) Steven Pilgrim sings and plays guitar. £10 including bottle of wine. Starts 9p.m til 'late'

The integrity of heritage
Downtowners may be aware of the drinking fountain on downtown Byrom St ..others may not, and this is the difficulty.

Noises have been made with regards to the possibility of moving the structure somewhere more 'public and tourist friendly'

Not a good idea. Surely if heritage is important at all, then keeping the timelines legible and rational need to be done honestly?

There is a story behind the drinking fountain and a specific reason as to why it was placed where it is.

Your Move into hyperspace
If by any chance you miss the latest edition of your favourite scouse property mag you can now check it out online. 'Your Move' has brought a breath of fresh air to the metropolitan market since it was launched a few years ago and has played a vital role in highlighting the repopulation of downtown with it's profiles on the coolest apartment developments ...excellent!

Urban Design Week 12-18 Sep 05
The national celebration of good places. buildings, contemporary urban spaces - for EVERYONE (link)


healthy, urban streets: healthy city

Just one event in Liverpool for your diary: UDW stalwarts Taylor Young Associates have a seminar on good design in sustainable communities - if you're interested in Pathfinder housing -go along, also a chance to check out Urban Splash's stunning new Vanilla Factory office in Wood St! Email TYA for a free ticket, 15 Sep 17:30.

I like that one
Channel 4 are inviting viewers to vote for their favourite British Building. As with all these vox pops Channel 4 have selected a top 100, from which you pick your favourite.

Two of downtown's best get onto their list, the Anglican Cathedral (Sir Giles Gilbert Scott and Frederick Bodley) and Albert Dock (Jesse Hartley) but no Princes Road synagogue or St George's Hall and strangely no mention of St John's Market!

Be sure to make your vote and make it count?

Wot! - no art?
Could be the plaintive cry of rich tourists looking for top notch examples of local artists work (a cultural city does produce, of course) in 2008 if LCC do not get their fingers out and broker a positive deal for ace cultural centre and enterprise incubator, Quiggins.

Their latest venture is ArtspeQ. It provides a vital downtown platform and market for creative talent. Contact Gallery organiser Ken Henshaw on 709 2462 or email info@artspeq.quiggins.com or just get along there and check it out for yourselves?

Inspiring the next generation of downtown entrepreneurs
Young Enterprise, the organisation who help young people understand and gain a foothold in the world of business development are calling once again for entrepreneurs to help inspire the next generation of downtown activists.

Y.E run a mentoring programme to provide support for these kids from those with the best personal experience. E-mail Chris Curry or give them a call on 546 3090and take the future under your wing?

Preserving our World Heritage
Those charged with 'protecting and enhancing' downtown's WHS would have their work cut out in the event of war. The Government have produced a consultation paper on ratifying the '1954 Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict'.

Knocked into a cocked hat - our WHS not as precious to the nation as some may think

Vast swathes of London are safely boxed off in Government's initial proposed listings but they seem to have forgotten the rest of the country. Downtowners had better help to raise the importance of our city to global heritage as WHS plainly has failed to win hearts on it's own!
N.B. Since we placed this piece arch scousophile, the Bostonian Loyd Grossman has ensured that at least the Pierhead will be protected by insisting on it's inclusion on the initial list. Read the current list at the Times and be sure to nominate the other internationally important buildings and structures that we have.

The World in one district
In another brilliant coup, ic liverpool (including gallery) gave details of a long awaited mixed use scheme proposed for 'plot 7' on downtown's Princes Dock.

World Plaza - coming soon to the waterfront?

If you haven't already been down to Princes Dock, do so, as it improves daily. How wonderful if the next news was Crowne Plaza announcing the replacement of their current nissan hut type building with something more 'appropriate' in scale and class for it's setting? Perhaps a building that would lend grace and context to the fine RSA building behind?

Metropolitan scale ...needs some company

Improving downtown
Liverpool's Business Improvement District is coming to the end of it's pilot period. Building the infrastructure and getting across the core message has pre-occupied staff and steering group members ...but now it is time to propose an innovative and exciting agenda that will ensure a positive vote this autumn with regards to it's continuance.

Brightening up the environment is only part of the BID potential

BID's have formed the central aspect of many spectacular revivals around the world ...but the potential lies in the dedication of those business who get involved. Come on downtowners ...make Liverpool's work?

Treating the symptoms
A pioneering mobile medical unit to treat the walking wounded is to be located at the bottom of downtown Bold Street on a Friday and Saturday night for the next two months.

It will be staffed by a medical team and police between 10pm and 4am and will be able to deal with people with minor injuries. Should help to take pressure off the brilliant night staff at the Royal, who have to put up with all sorts of stuff.

When you find yourself in a hole - stop digging
Of course we only mean this metaphorically. Downtown's 'Big Dig' was analysed, defended and attacked in today's metropolitan press.

We feel that both Prof Stoney and Sir David Henshaw called it wrong ...largely, whilst the Chamber got it just about right ..sort of.

The Big Dig is essential, if for no other reason than to catch up on more than 30 years of chronic neglect and under-investment downtown, but the management and lack of discourse with entrepreneurs and other institutions has been ludicrously poor. With 18 months still to go (at least) lets hope ideas are considerably bucked up.

Prof Stoney is, however, spot on about anti car bias being boneheaded, pie in the sky thinking...but then a lot of policy seems to be driven by one bizarre ideology or other downtown lately ...thank God for our business and other creative folk!

Talking of neanderthal boneheadedness
If downtown is to be able to compete in a global community, utilising our entrepreneurial drive to forge business and attract worthwhile inward investments then perhaps we need to examine the influences that affect downtown from an even wider perspective.

The current 'Bra Wars' balls up, comes from another era. From neo-con calls for unfettered free enterprise to demands for fair and open access to Western markets for developing nation's goods, it seems as though everyone except the EU sees how protectionism is anything other but damaging, and utterly counter productive in the long term.

Perhaps the nettle needs to be grasped with regards to the European Project, with it's drive for ever closer union and it's regionalism, controlled by statists and command principles? Perhaps the time has finally come for the UK to leave the 'family', as the deluded hope that we can change it from within is a forlorn one.
What do downtowners think?

We want more
City Lofts Princes Dock apartment complex is coming along nicely. as this and other buildings (Unity, Beetham's West Tower and Alexandra Quay etc) are completed, the beneficial 'betterment' they will make to the 'townscape' will prove what folly our current downtown policies that restrict taller buildings truly are.

Proving the case that towers will improve the skyline - even if we only consider the aesthetic points about downtown growth

Fantastic downtown walking tours
There are a number of guided walks and tours around town nowadays,(1-2-3-4 etc)covering subjects as diverse as commercial history, slavery and the city's musical heritage. Well worth the effort.

Concerns however as LCC's inspired ones are truly excellent but suffer from appallingly bad publicity, we can't even find a reference to them on their website! One of our downtowners took one in over the weekend and there were only 4 people on it! Make the effort to go along on some of them

Show a little mercy
Downtown based arts group 'Mercy' have just redesigned their website. Go and take a look. They also produce a magazine and web updates. Their core aim is to "bring attention to talented young creatives through the artists’ own pro-activity" and there's some excellent pro-active stuff!

Lots more dosh for downtown library
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) are to give an extra £16.4 million toward the renovation of Central Library.
This is in addition to the massive £31.5 million announced last year and takes the total awarded to almost £50 million.

In addition to the radical remodeling of the Central Library, which will include an 18,000 square metre library and archive centre, 'stunning' new entrance and space for 250 public computers, it means the city council will be able to restore the famous Picton, Hornby and Oak reading rooms to their former glory, and put more of Liverpool's fabulous rare book and archive collection on display.

Great stuff ...all we need now is for the extended hours to be reintroduced and we're flying!