Edge Lane project given final £1.5m boost

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By Gary Maiden

International & Travel

The Rocket area is just off the M62; The former Littlewoods building is soon to be a science academy

Edge Lane, one of the main routes into the city centre, has secured its final piece of funding thanks to a £1.5m European investment.

The money has been provided by the Northwest European Regional Development Fund in a bid to improve links from the M62 into the city. The development has been split into three phases; Edge Lane Drive, Edge Lane Central and Edge Lane West.

The first two phases have been completed and it is hoped that the final bit of work will transform Edge Lane into a stunning entrance into Liverpool.

Peter Millea of Liverpool City Council believes the development has been a long time coming and stressed how important it was to the city that it is completed as soon as possible. He said: “It is not only important, but vital, that the Gateway is built as quickly as possible. The residents of Kensington & Edge Hill have waited for over 25 years for this scheme, and it is finally higher up the agenda, because of its strategic link with Edge Lane.

“The link is crucial in ensuring that the traffic flow leading to the M62 is speedier. This has the benefit of attracting more businesses along the Edge Lane corridor and creating more jobs for local people.”

Mr Millea also stated how important it was to the residents of Edge Lane and the surrounding areas that the project is successfully completed. He added: “It will produce a better environment for the Kensington Fields area because traffic will effectively be taken away from the front doors of many local residents, and circulation will be more free flowing, thereby reducing the fumes and noise of slow moving traffic from people's homes.”

There has also been major work completed in large buildings around the area. The £50m Liverpool Innovation Park has been further developed and the former Littlewoods building is soon to be transformed into a science and technology academy.

The final phase of the project includes some major improvements including around 280 new homes. There are also plans afoot for new retail facilities, a state-of-the-art health centre and safer pedestrian crossing points. These are just a few of the plans that are in place.

Rob Monaghan, Head of Gateways at Liverpool Vision (the company behind the project), was keen to point out some of the work that has been completed immediately after motorway users exit the M62. Edge Lane is the main route into the city and Mr Monaghan believes that improving the Rocket Area was extremely important.

He said: “The project involved the formation of a dramatic gateway utilising the existing Queens Drive flyover at the Rocket junction as the subject of a major piece of public art, and as a catalyst for improving the townscape of the surrounding area, as well as providing an entrance feature to the City. The flyover was cleaned and painted and the pillars clad.

“Six 08 logos were erected on the pillars to announce to people entering the city off the motorway network that they were coming into the European Capital of Culture for 2008. The project included a unique lighting strategy on the structure and trees along Edge Lane Drive. The 08 Logos have now been replaced with the new Liverpool Waterfront brand.”