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Liverpool ONE, Opening of Phase 2
AT 12 o’clock
on Wednesday, 1 October 2008, HRH, The Princess Royal officially
opened Phase 2, the final stage of Liverpool ONE, a major
redevelopment at the heart of Liverpool. Although the throngs, which
greeted Phase 1, were not in evidence, considering the diabolical
weather, with its blustery wind and torrential showers, the ceremony
was nevertheless well attended. Her Royal Highness, the Duke of
Westminster (Grosvenor Estates), The Lord Mayor of Liverpool and
other dignitaries were greeted by a fanfare on Sugarhouse Steps. Her
Royal Highness then unveiled a commemorative plaque and walked
around the new areas, where she was introduced to some of the people
involved in the construction of the area or who work there, before
retiring into the commodious marquee.
Throughout the day street entertainers, including three very
realistic gorillas, stilt walkers, swans and flamingos, and jugglers
and fire jugglers, helped add to the jollity and spectacle of the
occasion. Music was much in evidence as excellent bands and artists
performed throughout the day, serving a mix from jazz to samba and
pop through to classical music, mainly from a stage beside the newly
reopened 5 acre Chavasse Park; unfortunately often to much depleted
audiences because of the inclement weather. Nevertheless, Chavasse
Park promises to be a highly desirable location for outdoor respite
from the offices or from shopping, when folk have savoured all the
interesting emporia that surround it. Another hot spot on Wednesday
was the all day fashion shows staged in Paradise Street, including a
stint by Liverpool F.C. These displays were well patronised
throughout. Beside Chavasse Park, opened to the public that day were
the spanking new 14 screen Odeon and the extremely innovative
Leisure Terrace, which has specially designed airfoils to mitigate
against wayward winds from off the river. On this terrace are a
series of restaurants and bars which, whilst attractive inside, will
allow pleasant al fresco moments when the weather is more conducive.
They add to the total of splendid dining and imbibing
establishments, which already exist in our city, affording great
choice.
The day was rounded off in spectacular fashion by a firework display
from the rooftops. Sadly, part of the display, from a boat on the
river, had to be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions, but
the show was still appreciated by those who stayed to watch.
We now have an ‘open all areas’ and, as the arcade
Gateway between Church Street and Phase 1 areas is now available,
through a series of intriguing passages, just begging to be
explored, the public can have speedy access from city centre to the
Albert Dock and other maritime areas. The whole of the area is truly
traffic free because all deliveries and collections are made by a
network of roads which pass beneath the complex, providing all
service access. New car parks, which are reasonably priced and
accessible, provide over 2,000 car spaces and a new bus depot
adjacent to the complex means quick access to the shops. Liverpool
One is fairly handy for Merseyrail Travellers and for Lime Street
main line station and, of course, to the famous Liverpool Ferries.
There are still shops waiting to open and next year will see the
residential complex, One Park West, will be completed. Also 2 new
hotels will open their doors in the near future, to add to the wide
range of quality accommodation already available in the region.
Liverpool is looking great! City Leader, Cllr Warren Bradley
commented that Liverpool has regained its belief in itself. Joanne
Jennings, Chief Executive of Liverpool ONE, says:- “I think
that when somebody writes the history of this phase of the city’s
development, the question will not be ‘why did they do all this’ as
much as ‘ what on earth took them so long to get started? Both of
these people are among the many who have shown faith and commitment
to an idea and worked tremendously hard to make it happen. Grosvenor
Estates have pulled the rabbit out of the hat by getting this
completed within the Capital of Culture year, ahead of schedule.
They are also to be congratulated for using different architects to
produce highly individual buildings, in order to escape from the
ersatz mall, so common around Britain today and so producing an
environment in keeping with our great architectural heritage and
offering a shopping experience par excellence. The whole region is
buzzing, Liverpudlians remain upbeat and we have a city to be proud
of once again. If you haven’t already ventured down town; just come
and experience it for yourselves!!"
Related reports:-
To see our full written report, video and photographic coverage of
the opening of Phase 1, click
here.
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See video coverage
of the Opening with exclusive interview and some other
exclusive footage! Click
here to watch... |
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