The completed revamp of Eberle Street at the heart of Liverpool’s LGBT community, part of a £1.6m scheme to improve the public realm in the city’s Commercial District, has been revealed.
The Wizard of Oz inspired improvement on Eberle Street has been influenced by the rich heritage and diverse range of entertainment venues in the area such as the Artist Club, Passion, GBar and Garlands.
A consistent level surface, with new high-quality granite paving has replaced the tired asphalt and kerbing and now boasts unique hexagons which show iconic images from the well-known film including the yellow brick road and the Emerald City in the mythical Land of Oz.
Two bespoke designed Eberle Street signs along with bespoke LED lighting across the street complements the hexagonal shape and structure of the paving below.
Award winning Liverpool-based designers BCA Landscape and Amey worked together, along with the input of local stakeholders and BID businesses based on the street, to develop the creative redesign which was built by local firm King Construction.
The works are part of a £1.6m scheme, which have improved the pedestrian connection linking the Commercial District to the city’s retail core, were jointly funded by the Liverpool BID Company and Liverpool City Council.
Jim Gill, chairman of the Commercial District BID, said: “The completion of Eberle Street is truly the jewel in the crown of the district’s public realm renovation project.
“Eberle street is key to the night time economy so it’s fantastic to see it gain a new lease of life following its redesign.”
Councillor Malcolm Kennedy, Liverpool City Council cabinet member for regeneration, said: “
“The transformation of Eberle Street has been a great success story between the public and private sector and has created a beacon for the community that everyone can take pride in. Hopefully it will help drive more footfall to this unique and diverse part of the city centre.’’
Other areas benefited from the £1.6m public realm improvement scheme included: Bixteth Street, Earle Street, Edmund Street, Exchange Street East, George Street, Hackins Hey, Leather Lane, Moorfields, North John Street, Old Hall Street, Prussia Street and Tempest Hey. The council contribution is part of the citywide £250m Better Roads programme.
For more information on the Liverpool BID Company please visit: www.liverpoolbidcompany.com
For the latest updates on road works visit www.liverpool.gov.uk/betterroads