Liverpool city centre is being held up as an example to other towns and cities for its night-time experience.
Not only has the city centre retained its prestigious Purple Flag – a national award which recognises a safe, clean and well-managed city centres at night – but the award judges want Liverpool to show other areas how it is done.
Assessors from the association of Town Centre Managers have said: “Civic pride is very evident, and the delivery by Liverpool’s Purple Flag partnership is especially impressive in the face of substantial public sector funding cuts – the Panel are keen for you to share your expertise as an example to other cities facing similar issues.”
In their report on the city centre they said: “Liverpool is a vibrant city with much to do. At all times the assessors felt safe and welcomed. There was a good mix of early, mid and late night entertainment and something for the entire family.”
The specific points they highlighted were
• “Liverpool’s newly opened Library was outstanding. A real mix of old and new. Well worth a visit.
• “The riverfront is an excellent place for all manner of activities and the space has been well developed to open up the city
• “The car park in the city centre was well lit, secure and inviting. The facilities within and reward scheme for drivers was first class.
• “The relationship between the residents and the partnership is outstanding and adds to the development and improvements within the centre.”
The Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson, said: “The assessors visited the city on Light Night which also celebrated the opening of the new Central Library. This may have been an exceptional night, even for Liverpool but it also demonstrated how much we have to offer and how well managed the city centre is when we have even more people than usual visiting it.
“The fact that they want us to give advice to other cities speaks volumes. It is acknowledgement from independent observers that Liverpool city centre is safe, welcoming and well-run with a huge amount for any visitor to do.”
Merseyside Police Area Commander for Liverpool North, Chief Superintendent Jon Ward said: “I am absolutely delighted that following a rigorous assessment, Liverpool has been re-awarded purple flag status and was described by the assessment panel as a “beacon” for other cities to follow.
“Assessors found that “Policing in Liverpool was visible without being overbearing. Police interacted well with revellers setting the tone for an enjoyable evening.”
“Every weekend the city welcomes more than 250,000 visitors who come here to enjoy the vibrant night life and the entertainment the city has to offer. I’m really proud that our officers and support staff, working together with partners as a team, have played their part in helping to ensure it continues to be a safe place to work, live and visit.
Ged Gibbons, Chief Operating Officer of City Central BID, which co-funds the city centre’s award-winning police station at St Johns, said: ”Liverpool city centre is now the safest in the UK and achieving Purple Flag Beacon status further underlines that fact. Make no mistake this is a huge achievement involving an army of people 24/7. And as well as the kudos of being held up as a national role model, we can use it to further bolster the city’s appeal as a must see and enjoy destination – day and night.”
Councillor Peter Brennan, Mayoral Lead for Community Safety and Chair of Citysafe, said: “It is brilliant news that we have not only retained our Purple Flag status from independent ATCM assessors but have achieved ‘beacon’ status. This is testimony to the fantastic partnership working between all agencies and businesses, residents, Liverpool City Council and our Community Safety Partnership- Citysafe. Congratulations to all involved”
Pictured: Crowds at the refurbished Central Library on Light Night
