Pedestrianisation of one of Liverpool’s historic and best-known streets could move a step closer after key funding was secured.
Since 2020 amid the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, Castle Street has predominantly been closed to cars to allow for seats for outside dining. Now, the scheme has moved closer to being adopted for good as Liverpool Council accepted cash that could help transform the area.
A number of other areas across the city are also earmarked for major development including Lark Lane, West Derby Road and structural repair at Bowring Park viaduct.
A report to Liverpool Council’s cabinet, adopted when it met on Tuesday, confirmed it will receive around £44m in capital funding for highways maintenance work and non-highway works until 2027. This is through the Liverpool City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) and direct grant funding from the combined authority.
As part of the funding, the design and implementation of options for pedestrianisation of Castle Street, including Water Street to Cook Street, and Brunswick Street to Fenwick Street could move closer.
Castle Street was initially pedestrianised in 2020 as part of the Liverpool Without Walls (LWW) scheme was introduced to allow businesses to offer al fresco seating and dining options. It is one of the original seven ancient streets of Liverpool, appearing on maps from the 13th century onwards and named after the Castle which used to sit on the site of Derby Square.
Around £700,000 of the funding would go towards amending the route over the next four years.
Among the other schemes that could advance through the scheme include the review of the LWW scheme on Lark Lane and its own permanent adoption. The measures on the busy south Liverpool street have been the subject of separate discussions and works have been carried out to improve the environment and address access issues for the disabled.
Traffic signals throughout the city could also be upgraded alongside structural repairs and waterproofing at the Bowring Park viaduct on the M62. Active travel plans for West Derby Road, Aigburth Road corridor and Liverpool Loop South are included.
Contracts for the programmes are to be awarded to successful suppliers following conclusion of the procurement procedures will need to contain detailed service standards and performance provisions to protect the interests of the council.
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