Liverpool City Council is due to consider a new planning framework designed to protect buildings and areas of heritage value across the city. The Historical Environment Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) sets out detailed guidance on how new developments should protect the city’s character and unique identity. A draft of the SPD will be presented at a Cabinet meeting next Tuesday (15 July). The draft has been produced following engagement with key stakeholders, including residents and historical societies. It will be […]
Construction is now underway on the exciting new Footy Nation facility at Ocean Plaza Leisure Park, near Southport’s seafront. Footy Nation is transforming two units previously occupied by the Chinese Buffet and Gourmet Burger Kitchen. It will be a superb addition to the family attractions already at Ocean Plaza, which include Vue Cinema, Premier Bowl & Laser, and Playtown. Footy Nation is the brainchild of husband and wife team Michelle and Matthew Ball, who plan to launch in Southport before […]
Plans to attract even bigger and better events to Victoria Park in Southport are moving forward, following approval to increase the park’s official capacity by 50%. Sefton Council has granted permission to raise the number of visitors allowed at any one time from 9,999 to 14,999, enhancing one of the North West’s premier event spaces. For over a century, Victoria Park has been home to the iconic Southport Flower Show—the UK’s largest independent flower show and the fourth biggest paid […]
More than 1,600 leaders and decision makers will converge on Liverpool this week as the city hosts the Local Government Association’s (LGA) Annual Conference for the first time. The three-day event at ACC Liverpool will involve more than 400 speakers at around 100 events. Further fringe events will take place across the city. The conference, which starts tomorrow, is an opportunity for the city region to showcase its latest developments, innovations and leadership to the top levels of local government. […]
Looking for unforgettable days out this summer? Knowsley, in the heart of the Liverpool City Region, is bursting with vibrant festivals, creative exhibitions, and family-friendly fun. Whether you’re into art, music, markets, or wellbeing, there’s something for everyone. Here’s your guide to the best events happening across the borough. The Society of Wood Engravers 87th Annual Exhibition Now – 15 August Kirkby Gallery, Norwich Way, Kirkby, L32 8XY Mon–Fri 10am–5pm (last entry 4.30pm), Sat 10am–1pm (last entry 12.30pm) A […]
The Merseyside Independent Business (MIB) Awards 2025 are now open for entries and we’re calling on all local businesses to get involved! These awards shine a spotlight on the incredible talent, innovation, and resilience of independent businesses across our region. Whether you’re a creative startup, a thriving food venue, or a community-focused CIC, there’s a category for you. Key Dates: Nominations close: 4th July 2025 Entries close: 11th July 2025 Categories include: Trades or Manufacturing Business of the Year Professional Services Business […]
Geoff Drake never set out to be a professional photographer. But a single image changed his path. In 2016, he captured a striking photo of the Liver Birds emerging above a rare cloud inversion over the city. The response to that image, titled Rise Above, was immediate. It sparked the creation of DrakePhotography, a business that has gone on to publish two books, host guided photography walks and showcase Liverpool in fresh and thoughtful ways. We caught up with Geoff […]
Chester Zoo has been named the third most popular ‘paid for’ attraction in England after more than 1.9 million people visited last year. New data, released by VisitEngland, has revealed the zoo welcomed 1,947,544 people in 2024, on par with the previous year’s figures (1,942,890). The new numbers, which gathered information from 1,373 English attractions, rank the conservation-focused zoo as the most visited ‘paid for’ attraction outside of London and third overall. The Tower of London took top spot with […]
How can Liverpool’s world-famous waterfront be developed and improved is the subject of a major new public consultation to be held on Monday, 7 July at Liverpool Town Hall. Liverpool City Council is posing the question as part of an 8-week consultation, which will run until Friday, 8 August. The Council appointed highly acclaimed urban design and landscape architecture firm, West 8, together with BDP, to develop an ambitious and visionary plan that sets a benchmark for waterfront regeneration in Europe. Now […]
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has awarded The Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King in Liverpool Grade I listed status, following advice from Historic England. The cathedral, previously Grade II* listed, is now nationally recognised as a building of the highest architectural and historical interest.Built between 1962 and 1967, the cathedral represents the greatest Roman Catholic post-war architectural commission in Britain. It was built over an earlier Sir Edwin Lutyens-designed crypt, intended to be part of a grand classical-style […]