Ugly wall transformed into flourishing landmark, thanks to Council greening project

LIVERPOOL City Council has created an innovative green wall installation along part of the Bath Street cycle path in the City Centre.

This project is a key component of the Council's "Greening Liverpool" initiative, a visionary plan aimed at:- revitalising urban spaces, enhancing biodiversity, and bolstering community wellbeing.

It will complement the planned scheme that will see a new cycle lane installed at the:- Bath Street Triangle, improving links between the:- Northern Docks and the Business District in the City Centre.

The green wall project comes on the back of a successful bid to secure �30,000 in funding from Climate KIC through the Sustainable Cities Mobility challenge; a competitive scheme inviting European cities to develop sustainable and greening projects.

Partnering with leading supplier Meristem Ltd, the installation began this week with the placement of approximately 30 metres of wooden planters - each measuring around 1.2 metres in length.

These planters have been expertly fitted onto trellises. Over time, the plants are expected to climb and transform the currently graffiti-covered retaining wall into a vibrant, living green facade.

The resulting green wall will not only enrich the visual landscape of one of Liverpool's busiest thoroughfares but also serve as a natural air filter, capturing pollutant particles while offering mental health and environmental benefits to pedestrians and cyclists.

Every year the living wall is predicted to (approximately):-

Extract 110.5kg of carbon.
Produce 144.5kg of oxygen.
Extract 230kg of gas.

The installation stretches from midway on Bath Street and along towards St Nicholas Place. Any additional planters will be strategically placed at the opposite end of the structure to ensure a seamless and continuous green barrier.

The project highlights a collaborative effort in which the Council's maintenance teams currently oversee watering based on favourable weather conditions, while further irrigation solutions are actively being explored to ensure long-term plant vitality.

Councillor Laura Robertson-Collins, Cabinet Member for Communities, Neighbourhoods and Streetscene, said:- "We are thrilled to have this initiative, which embodies our commitment to creating a healthier and more sustainable urban environment. By transforming a neglected, graffiti-covered wall into a flourishing green oasis, we aim to uplift the community's spirit and improve the overall environmental quality of our City Centre. The support from Climate KIC through the Sustainable Cities Mobility challenge has been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition, reflecting Liverpool City Council's proactive stance on sustainability and environmental stewardship. This green wall project serves as an inspiring example of how targeted investment can yield lasting benefits in urban aesthetics, air quality, and community wellbeing."

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Letter to the Editor - "Redevelopment Work on Lord Street"

"FIRST of all I would like to applaud 'Stand up for Southport' for the ambitious plans regarding the restoration of the beautiful buildings on Lord Street. They are examples of the splendid architecture of the Victorian era and should be preserved at all cost. I remember Southport in its 'heyday' when Lord Street was a great attraction for ladies and gentlemen who went to shop if they were looking for a special outfit for a wedding. a suitable gift or a piece of jewellery etc. Unfortunately that period has gone by and too many of these fine shops have had to close and the high street has been the victim of on line shopping. Not at all what my generation wants. My husband and I still like to visit Southport for a afternoon drive, a bite to eat, a walk round and a sit watching the world go by. However, after our experience last Sunday we will need to revue our location to somewhere else on the Fylde coast. My husband and I are both in our eighties and I am a blue badge holder. We parked on Stanley Street (at the rear of Debenhams old store in a parking bay. but as the store has been closed for 5 years, the gates were locked and there was no evidence of any human activity or noise at either the front or rear of the building we assumed that the parking bay was not in use. Only local residents would be aware that renovation work was planned so we were shocked to find a penalty charge notice on our windscreen. We spoke to the traffic warden who said the bay was in operation as renovation work was in hand, but there was no evidence of this on Sunday. We intend to pay the fine of:- �35, not because we believe it is justified, but we cannot afford to risk losing the appeal and having to pay:- �75. I sincerely hope that you achieve your objective of breathing new life into Southport, but fear that over zealous traffic wardens discourage visitors and give the Town a poor reputation." EIleen Collier.

Editors comment:- "We are sorry you felt wronged by getting a fine. Sadly, a loading bay might not always look like it is being used, but the bay in question is often used by businesses both on that road and those backing onto that road not just by the former Debenhams store. The store is getting major work done inside, that can be seen in the front. Even when the store was open, that area looks rundown. UK parking bay legislation is a confusing topic for many drivers. Sadly, misinterpreting the rules can prove to be costly, no matter the Town, Village or City you are parking in. Generally, vehicles are only permitted to use loading bays for the purposes of loading and unloading goods (and must complete this task within 20 minutes or less). Loading bays are specifically designed for the transfer of goods to or from a vehicle. It is also worth noting that unless the sign on the bay permits you to do so, you should not park in a loading bay overnight, even if the loading bay is only generally used during the day. Therefore, it pays to be vigilant and look at signage near a loading bay declaring any additional restrictions or freedoms. Even if you have a blue badge, parking in an area that is blocking a loading bay is often grounds for a fine. Also, in this case, building supplies can and is often delivered 7 days a week, as to are other supplies being delivered to shops within the area, who also work 7 days a week. Even if a bay looks like it is not used doesn't mean the traffic warden is over zealous."

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Ugly wall transformed into flourishing landmark, thanks to Council greening project

Letter to the Editor - "Redevelopment Work on Lord Street"