Parkinson reveals Liverpool regeneration findings

Professor Michael Parkinson has today published his report into the work of urban regeneration company Liverpool Vision, describing the city’s regeneration as a “symbol of a bigger national story”.   Parkinson’s 64-page report analyses Liverpool city centre’s regeneration since 1999, when Liverpool Vision was founded.   The report says £3.5bn of public and private investment has been committed to the city centre during the last nine years.   More than 1m sq ft of new Grade A office space has been delivered during the period, as well as 16,000 new jobs.   Liverpool is partly responsible for an increased willingness by government to recognise regional cities as key economic drivers, according to the report.   It also recommends a shift of focus in Liverpool from urban regeneration to economic competitiveness.   Jim Gill, chief executive of Liverpool Vision, said: “Liverpool city centre has experienced sustained growth during the past decade with levels of investment, construction activity and job creation not seen in the city for over a generation.   “The city centre is the key factor in the city’s resurgence and will continue to grow, attract investment and create jobs for the wider city region. Liverpool is well placed to build on its transformation of the last decade.”   The URC is about to be relaunched with a wider economic development role across the whole of the city, not just the city centre.   Gill has been appointed as chief executive of the new body on a one-year contract.   Michael Parker, chief executive of BNFL, has been recruited as chairman of the new organisation.   david.quinn@rbi.co.uk