The historic Ropewalks District of Liverpool has been completely renovated.
Liverpool City Council’s highways contractors have completed a £5 million project to renovate four key streets in the heart of one of the city centre’s nightlife hotspots.
The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s Strategic Investment Fund awarded the City Council £5 million to upgrade Fleet Street, Colquitt Street, Back Colquitt Street, and Ropewalks Square, which leads to FACT Liverpool, one of the UK’s leading visual arts centres.
All existing footway and carriageway surfaces were replaced, as well as new street furniture, bins, bollards, and street lighting, as part of the project.
This was the second phase of highway improvements to the Ropewalks District, following improvements to Wood Street and Slater Street in 2021 and 2022.
Because of the historic nature of the rope-making industry, the area is defined by long, narrow streets running parallel to each other, which has resulted in congestion and safety issues as the Ropewalks District has developed into a vibrant cultural and creative centre.
This second phase of improvements began in February and was partially halted during the city’s hosting of Eurovision 2023 in April and May.
This scheme’s completion coincides with FACT’s recent 20th anniversary celebrations, as well as the area’s busiest time of year.
The next phase of Liverpool City Council’s Highways Investment Programme (HIP) has also been announced.
The Council’s Transportation and Highways team, along with their delivery partners, are now working on upgrading more than 29 roads as part of a £11 million eco-friendly maintenance programme.
This follows the successful delivery of 70 schemes as part of the initial Highways Investment Programme that has been delivered to date across 2022 and 2023, which saw £19.425 million invested in highway infrastructure.
In phase one of the HIP programme, 68 tonnes of CO2 emissions were saved through de-carbonisation processes, and 3,171 metric tonnes of o-recycle waste waste was diverted from landfills or incineration through specific recycling partnerships.
Councillor Dan Barrington, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Highways, said:
“The Ropewalks District has developed over the past decade into a hugely popular destination and is now a vital engine in Liverpool’s creative and night-time economies.
“Due to the nature of the narrow roads and the sheer volume of people and traffic attracted to the area, congestion, air pollution and road safety have become big issues and the Council has been looking at ways to improve the experience especially for pedestrians and cyclists.
“Now completed, the Ropewalks District has the high quality public realm it deserves, and it will be a safer, more accessible and more pleasant experience for all concerned.
“On behalf of the Council, I’d like to thank all the stakeholders, residents, business and visitors for their patience throughout this scheme.”
