Liverpool plans positive future despite World Heritage Site loss
Liverpool will continue to plan for a “positive future” despite a decision to delete it from the World Heritage List, leaders have vowed.
Members of the United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) World Heritage Committee voted in a secret ballot to strip the city of its status yesterday after fears developments, including the new Everton FC stadium, posed a threat to its value.
The city’s waterfront was named a World Heritage Site in 2004 but has been on the List of World Heritage in Danger since 2012, when the committee decided the Liverpool Waters development, planned for the city’s northern docks, wasapotentialthreattothesite.
Bosses at the Edinburgh World Heritage (EWH) charity, who are charged with protecting the World Heritage status of the city’s Unesco-approved Old and New Towns, said city leaders in the Scottish capital must remain “vigilant” over encroaching development following Liverpool’s expulsion.
Liverpool mayor Joanne Anderson described the decision as “incomprehensible”.
She said: “We will be working with Government to examine whether we can appeal but, whatever happens, Liverpool will always be a World Heritage city.
“We have a stunning waterfront and incredible built heritage that is the envy of other cities.
“Our commitment to maintaining and improving our
buildings remains as strong as ever and will continue to be a key part of our drive to attract visitors, along with leisure, retail and events.
“I find it incomprehensible that Unesco would rather Bramley Moore Dock remain a derelict wasteland, rather than making a positive contribution to the city’s future and that of its residents.
“I’ll now be seeking to draw together all the UK heritage bodies in a round table to plan
a positive future with further investment.”
Metro mayor of Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram said: “This is a really disappointing decision, but I am confident that our city will remain a vibrant and attractive cultural destination and – as we rebuild from the pandemic – will continue to welcome millions of people to our city and wider city region.”
A spokeswoman for Historic England said it believed the
area was in a better condition now then when it was first awarded the status thanks to regeneration projects.
EWH said: “All decision makers in the city, including local communities, the city council and heritage organisations, must remain vigilant in order toprotectourpreciouscity–not only our iconic buildings, but also our skyline, public realm, greenspace,andthecommunitiesthatliveandworkintheold and New Towns.
"The new hotel at the St. James’ Quarter has certainly raised eyebrows, and has altered our skyline significantly.
"The recent proposals, such as the approved new rooftop extension for Debenhams on Princes Street are a further reminder that little-bylittle, new development can encroach and threaten the heritage value of Edinburgh."