Liverpool is a city steeped in tradition, a glorious history that should undoubtedly be looked upon with pride, but the question is now being asked as to whether Liverpool will ever again be a city of the future.

As with The Beatles and the Liverpool football team of the 1980s, the Capital of Culture was seen as yet another jewel in the city’s crown, but now many Liverpudlians feel it is time to let go. The argument is that a city cannot move forward, when it is still revelling in its former glories. Half a century from now, the Capital of Culture year simply cannot be used as a reminder of the good old days, but must serve its purpose of revitalising a city that is slowly edging back towards the bad ones.

Others, including Phil Redmond and local politicians, would argue that the aim of Capital of Culture was regeneration, and would point to Liverpool One as the most evident point in their case. It has also been argued that it is too soon to tell what impact the money Liverpool gained, as careful planning is needed to ensure that the funds are spent wisely.

This debate has raged for over a week now on the city’s most popular talk radio station ‘City Talk’ and has ignited passions across Liverpool. Ex-Brookside actor and radio host Dean Sullivan believes that the city needs to see more done with the money gained by Capital of Culture: “I for one hope that the overlooked areas of the city are supported by the Capital of Culture money.”

Shorthand Sue

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