Liverpool Central Station, one of the busiest gateways into the city, is set to undergo a major long-term transformation after Liverpool City Council appointed a specialist design team to shape a new vision for the area.
Led by Hawkins\Brown, the multidisciplinary team will develop a Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) to guide future investment, placemaking and renewal around the station. The framework will set out how the area can be reimagined as a welcoming, well-connected and high-quality arrival point to Liverpool city centre.
The SRF comes at a pivotal moment, with proposals by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority to redevelop rail services at Liverpool Central providing the catalyst for a radical uplift in the area’s profile and function. Together, the station upgrade and surrounding regeneration are expected to unlock significant development and economic opportunity.
A joint approach to regeneration
The framework will be led by Liverpool City Council, working with Platform4 – Network Rail’s property development company – alongside Network Rail as a joint client. The work will also involve the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, key landowners and a wide range of local stakeholders.
Covering an 86-acre area, the SRF will explore how land is used, how streets and public spaces are designed, and how people and vehicles move through the area. It will also establish clear planning and design principles to guide future development and ensure regeneration is comprehensive, deliverable and aligned with the city’s wider growth ambitions.
Liverpool Central currently welcomes more than 14.8 million passengers a year, connecting the retail core, Knowledge Quarter and surrounding neighbourhoods. The SRF aims to ensure future development supports this critical role while significantly improving the quality of place.
A national pilot for change
Liverpool Central has been selected as a pilot project for the Government’s reformed Green Book appraisal process, supporting ambitions to unlock a £5bn transformation of the station and surrounding area. The project aims to create a world-class transport hub that enhances regional and national connectivity while driving regeneration across Liverpool City Region and the wider North West.
A key design principle for the proposed new station is to integrate seamlessly with Liverpool Lime Street, bringing Merseyrail and national rail services together in a single hub – similar to the relationship between King’s Cross and St Pancras in London.
This approach would improve links to the Knowledge Quarter, Queen Square and the city’s world-famous waterfront, while enabling new green public realm and high-quality residential, office and leisure development. The project is also expected to support the region’s net zero ambitions, improving access to jobs, homes and sustainable transport.
Funding and next steps
In March, Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram secured £95m from Government to support the development of business cases for major regeneration projects, including Liverpool Central. The Combined Authority is now working with Liverpool City Council and partners to submit a full Place Based Business Case to Government in the summer.
A programme of site analysis, technical work and stakeholder engagement is now underway to inform the emerging vision. The SRF will set out:
- An ambitious long-term vision for the Central Station area
- Planning and design principles to guide high-quality development
- Opportunities to enhance public realm, connectivity and accessibility, including active travel
- A framework to support inclusive growth, investment and the delivery of significant new homes
Once completed, the SRF will become a key material consideration for future regeneration and development decisions in the Central Station area.
What the leaders say
Cllr Nick Small, Cabinet Member for Growth and Economy at Liverpool City Council, said:
“Liverpool Central is one of the most important gateways into our city, used by millions of people every year."
"This Strategic Regeneration Framework provides an exciting opportunity to provide a strong and transformational vision for how the wider area around the station can evolve over time – supporting growth, improving the quality of place and ensuring future investment comprehensive and brought forward in collaboration with partners.
“The SRF is about shaping the places around the station – the streets, spaces and development opportunities – and ensuring they work together. It will provide clarity for communities, partners and investors as we plan for the long-term future of this part of the city centre.”
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:
“Liverpool Central is one of the busiest and most important transport gateways in the country – and the area around it should match the ambition of the city it serves.
“This is a chance for us to think bigger about the future of one of the key front doors to Liverpool – creating a greener, safer and better connected gateway that works for residents, businesses and the millions of people who pass through it every year.
“Working with Liverpool City Council and partners, we can make sure this becomes more than a transport upgrade – but a catalyst for wider regeneration, investment and opportunity in the heart of the city.”
Andrew Ferguson, Acting CEO of Platform4, added:
“A transformed Central Station area won’t just improve the experience of the millions of passengers who pass through it each year – it will help define Liverpool’s identity as a connected and ambitious city. By bringing together world-class design, long-term planning and genuine partnership, we can create a gateway that drives real economic growth and makes Liverpool an even more attractive place to live, work and invest.”
Katie Tonkinson, Partner and Head of Studio North at Hawkins\Brown, said:
“We are delighted to have been appointed, alongside a word-class team of collaborators, to prepare the Liverpool Central Station Strategic Regeneration Framework.
“It is a fantastic opportunity to work with Liverpool City Council and partners to develop a creative, long-term vision for the city. We are truly excited to be embarking on this journey of discovery with stakeholders and local communities.
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to seek transformational change at this original locus; to connect with people and initiatives across the city region, taking inspiration from around the world and raising world profile, whilst driving local aspiration and rooting our thinking in Liverpool.”
Image credit: iStock
