Whilst funding is almost always essential to largescale regeneration initiatives, the complexity of funding streams can often be the cause of many of the biggest challenges.

In Liverpool’s Campbell Square three different grant application regimes, grant appraisal schemes and three separate grant offers with individual conditions attached, all conspired to increase the risks and costs of the development of a planned mixed-use regeneration project.

As well as this, the area was home to a number of dilapidated historic warehouse buildings which would have to be refurbished and integrated into the scheme.

This case study highlights the approach taken to the the re-development of Liverpool’s Campbell Square - a 0.8ha site in the city’s Duke Street conservation area, including a description of the challenges faced and how these were addressed.

Project design began in 1997 in partnership with a wide range of agencies with interests in the area. By developing an integrated public-private sector regeneration strategy and establishing a steering group, the team were able to bring together various regeneration programmes and sources of funding and tackle problems head-on with timely and effective information exchange, site visits and project meetings.

The steering group also provided a forum for the discussion of issues critical to progress. The involvement of the Liverpool Ropewalks partnership meant that regular consultations with all sectors of the community could be undertaken and local residents kept informed.

What was once a brownfield site scattered with derelict warehouses, has now been transformed into a vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood which sensitively combines the refurbishment of historically important warehouse buildings and new build properties to create 56 apartments, 32,000sq.ft. of offices and six commercial units around a public square and landscaped courtyards.

The result has proven to be a catalyst for further regeneration activity in the surrounding area with new developments underway in nearby York Street and Cleveland Square. The project shows how leadership and persistence are needed to deliver a high quality, mixed use development respecting heritage considerations.

The local community, economy and businesses.

£22.6m funding overseen by an integrated public-private sector steering group.

RENEW Northwest
info@RENEW.co.uk

//1997

case

Urban Policy > Urban environment

Cultural heritage, Urban renewal