BAFTA winning producer and writer brings Walton's story to the screen

A powerful new documentary is set to be screened in Liverpool, offering a compelling and heartfelt portrait of Walton. Commissioned by Hat Trick Productions Managing Director, Jimmy Mulville (who was born and raised in Walton), Of People and Place is a 30 minute film shot entirely on location in Walton, and aims to challenge recent narratives about the area and spotlights the community's creativity and resilience.

It explores Walton through the eyes of its residents; highlighting grassroots initiatives and the transformative power of art. The ambition is to ensure the community isn't defined by the 2024 riots, and the film is a real celebration of community spirit and offers up art and culture as an alternative to young people as a means of expression.

The premiere took place at Alsop High School on the evening:- Thursday, 9 October 2025, with Culture Liverpool supporting the red carpet event. Attending the event will be members of the community who feature in the documentary, Jimmy Mulville, Producer Jaynie Miller, Director Carl Hunter, along with pupils from local Schools.

Jimmy Mulville said:- "Walton was my home for the 1st 20 years of my life. It educated me at Alsop Comprehensive; as it was then; from:- 1966 to 1974 enabling me to follow my dreams. More importantly than that the people of Walton gave me a thorough education in generosity of spirit and resilience. The people I grew up with surprised you with their wisdom and cracked you up with their wit. They also took great delight in proving people wrong. In this beautiful film, Of People and Place, you will see that the people of Walton are to this day, the same generous, resilient, good-humoured people who love to prove people wrong. I'm proud to be associated with it."

Producer Jaynie Miller said:- "At a time where there is so much division in the world and on our own doorsteps, it's been a pleasure to work on this documentary and to be reminded about the strength of community. The importance of the creative arts in bringing people together and lifting individuals out of their darkest moments, cannot be overstated."

Liverpool City Council's Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, Councillor Harry Doyle, said:- "Walton is a community that's close to my heart, and I couldn't be more proud of the community and its response in the face of some dark times in the summer of 2024. Residents would not allow the riots to define Walton, and instead, under a global media spotlight, showed impressive resilience and hope for the future. This documentary promises to shine a light on the real Walton and I'm excited to see how the film captures that spirit and offers a new narrative; 1 rooted in pride, possibility and the power of culture."

Mersey Heat Energy Centre officially opened in Liverpool Waters ceremony

THE Mersey Heat Energy Centre in Liverpool Waters has been officially opened in a ceremony bringing together civic leaders, project partners and heritage stakeholders as the City pushes forward with low carbon regeneration.

Councillor Liam Robinson (Leader of Liverpool City Council) and Cllr Anthony Burns (Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Cabinet Member for Net Zero) joined representatives from Ener-Vate and contractor Vital Energi to mark the launch of the new plant. This will supply low carbon heating and hot water to the Liverpool Waters development and surrounding landmark buildings.

The energy centre uses heat pumps to extract energy from the water in the Leeds Liverpool Canal to deliver heat to a district network. The pumps and extraction equipment are housed in the original Victorian Pump House, linking the City's industrial past with its low carbon future.

The plant forms part of the wider Liverpool Waters regeneration that combines restoration of historic assets with new homes, commercial buildings and modern infrastructure.

Among the restored sites is the Tobacco Warehouse, a Victorian structure opened in 1901 and built from some 27 million bricks, where goods were historically moved using hydraulic jiggers and the rail system.

Liverpool City Council, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and National Museums Liverpool have signed agreements with Ener-Vate to extend the network and supply low carbon heat to the Cunard Building, George Dock Building and the Museum of Liverpool, allowing those buildings to move away from gas. The network will also connect with the sister scheme at Albert Dock.

The Council is also participating as a front runner City in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) Advanced Zoning Programme and plans to go to market by the end of the financial year to procure a Zone Developer to roll out further heat networks across Liverpool.

Ener-Vate, Peel's district heat network specialist, worked with Vital Energi as the Design, Build, Operate and Maintain contractor on the scheme, delivering the technical and operational capability needed to bring the energy centre into service.

Councillor Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said:- "The launch of the Mersey Heat Energy Centre is a landmark moment in Liverpool's journey towards a cleaner, greener future. It is a visible example of how Liverpool is leading the way on low carbon infrastructure, protecting historic buildings, cutting emissions and creating long term green value for our communities. Liverpool has long been a leader in climate action, and this project reinforces our commitment to achieving net zero. It's not just about infrastructure, it's about creating a legacy of sustainability that benefits our communities, our economy, and our environment. I'm proud to see this vision and investment come to life, creating jobs in the emerging green economy. I want to thank all the partners involved for helping Liverpool take another bold step towards a low carbon future."

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