The Panel tasked with shaping Liverpool’s long-term strategic future has outlined an ambitious long-term plan to help get the city’s economy firing on all cylinders again.
The Liverpool Strategic Futures Advisory Panel has published the findings as part of its final report to support the city on its improvement journey.
It follows the news that the Panel secured £31 million in government funding to help kickstart stalled regeneration projects in the city.
The final report builds on the groundwork laid by the Panel’s interim report published in November 2023, focusing on three core priorities: rejuvenating Liverpool’s regeneration efforts, reforming public services for the 21st century, and turbocharging the city’s knowledge and innovation economy.
The Panel emphasises the need for strong, unified place leadership and collaborative partnership working as essential ingredients for sustainable growth.
Following an extensive period of engagement with stakeholders across the Liverpool City Region, the Panel has identified three priorities over the next decade to accelerate the city’s progress towards a stronger and more sustained future. This includes:
- Establishing a new Regeneration Partnership to oversee new regeneration opportunities and accelerate development within the city. This work was integral in securing more than £31 million to help kickstart regeneration in the city.
- Launching a locally led urban development corporation (LLUDC). Liverpool would be the first area to use this model, shaping national policy, and it would give the city new legal powers.
- Developing an Accelerated Development Zone between Everton’s new stadium at Bramley Moore in North Liverpool to the Knowledge Quarter in the city centre.
Liverpool is set to become a public service innovation pathfinder, with the Panel recommending the creation of a Liverpool City Region Combined Authority-led Office for Public Service Innovation and the development of a partnership led prototype in north Liverpool to test how we can deliver better public services for our communities.
This first of its kind initiative will focus on leveraging data and community resources to reduce social inequalities and improve the delivery and effectiveness of local services.
The Panel also highlighted the potential of the Liverpool City Region’s Innovation Zone, backed by £160 million in government funding. This initiative aims to bridge infrastructure gaps, support the life sciences sector, and create high-value, high-skill employment opportunities, positioning Liverpool as a leader in global health innovation.
Andrew Lewis, Chief Executive of Liverpool City Council, said: “We are grateful for the Panel’s commitment to Liverpool’s future, their proposals to generate new jobs, homes and investment, and to addressing deep-seated inequalities across our communities.
“We endorse their conclusions, and commitment to their practical delivery. This report shows the Council is on the right track and with our partners has the frameworks in place to grow the economy. There is a lot of work to do but the ambition and the desire to make Liverpool work for our residents and businesses is resolute.”
The report has been endorsed by the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, the Rt Hon Michael Gove MP.
Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, the Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, said: “Unlocking the potential of cities like Liverpool is essential to driving productivity and levelling up. I am delighted to endorse the final report from the Liverpool Strategic Futures Advisory Panel, which sets out a clear vision for building a better, stronger future for the citizens of Liverpool and the wider city region. As well as the Panel, I would like to thank all local partners for the spirit of collaboration in which they have approached this work.”
Mayor Rotheram has been joined on the panel by two major local government figures, Sir Howard Bernstein, who was the chief executive of Manchester City Council from 1999 to 2017, and Baroness Judith Blake, the leader of Leeds City Council from 2015 to 2021.
Since it was established in 2022, the Panel has worked with Liverpool City Council and its Cabinet, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, external experts, and stakeholders to deliver a long-term masterplan for the growth and success of the city.
