Mayor Joanne Anderson reflects on 2021 and looks ahead to 2022.
2021 has been a year of highs and lows for Liverpool, as the Covid-19 pandemic continued to bring with it worries and hardship for many in our city throughout the year.
We experienced great sadness and shock following the murder of young Ava White and the terror attack at Liverpool Women’s Hospital.
Despite those tough times, we managed to showcase what the city has to offer, as we welcomed the G7 foreign and development leaders to the city earlier this month and we continued on our programme of change.
We have recently submitted an agreement to create the city’s first operational net zero carbon building, Hemisphere, an innovative Grade A office space for health, education, science and tech occupiers.
Work is continuing to remediate the former tip at Festival Gardens for housing development.
We have secured funding to improve Tate Liverpool at the Royal Albert Dock and to work up plans for an exciting new educational music venue – The Pool – on the waterfront.
Up at Bramley Moore Dock, Everton Football Club are investing £50m in the historic assets of the area in a development that will revitalise our North Shore community, one of the poorest parts of the city.
On Edge Lane, we’re working to complement the recently completed Council and Combined Authority funded film studio, known as ‘The Depot’ with the potential £70m redevelopment of the iconic Littlewoods building, complete with plans for major studios, creative office space and new media facilities.
We’re nearing the completion of work on major road schemes such as Lime Street, The Strand, the A565 and County Road.
Along with my cabinet, we are determined to work with residents and partner organisations to tackle some of the endemic issues in our city.
We are determined as an administration to change the culture of the council to one that works with people to ensure that everyone has the chance to succeed – people, planet and equality are my mantra – I want to improve communities, tackle climate change and give everyone an equal footing in life.
We know there is a long way to go to rebuild trust, to improve the quality of new developments, to rebalance the relationship between cars, pedestrians and bikes on our road network, meet our net zero carbon commitment and embed social value in every decision we make.
In 2022 we will make progress on all fronts.
We will also be launching a residents’ survey, finding out what you think, and what you want for your community.
I hope you all manage to enjoy the festive season with friends and family and that you all stay safe and Covid-free.
Best Wishes,
Mayor Joanne
