Restoration of Everton landmark takes major step forward as surveys and repair programme begin

LIVERPOOL City Council is taking the next major step in the restoration of a landmark building in Everton, with specialist contractors appointed to assess the condition of the Grade II listed building and develop a programme of repairs to secure its long term future.

The Council has already secured:- �250,000 to support the next phase of work, which will include:- detailed condition surveys, environmental assessments, asbestos investigations and plans to make the building weatherproof. The work will provide, for the first time in more than 20 years, a comprehensive understanding of the building's condition and the investment required for its full restoration.

The surveys are expected to begin in:- September 2026, with findings anticipated later in the autumn. These investigations will examine as much of the building as possible, including:- structural condition, water damage, windows, roofs and other areas affected by decades of deterioration. In places that are currently unsafe to access, specialist assessment methods such as drone surveys will be used.

The work will also investigate environmental issues within the building, including:- the impact of long term pigeon access and any other pest related concerns. Environmental cleaning requirements and asbestos checks will form part of the assessment programme.

While the full extent of repairs will not be known until the surveys are complete, the Council already expects future work to include:- repairs to gutters, drainpipes, windows, water damaged areas and masonry, alongside measures to improve the building's resistance to further weather damage.

Importantly, the project will provide the evidence needed to secure further investment and develop a long term restoration strategy for one of Liverpool's most significant historic buildings. The Council's ambition is to transform the former library into a vibrant heritage asset that serves the community while acting as a social, cultural and economic driver for the area.

The building is owned by Liverpool City Council and the restoration programme is being led by the Council's Heritage team.

Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, said:- "For many years people have rightly been concerned about the condition of this building, which used to be a liberary, and want to see progress. This project marks the beginning of that process. Before we can undertake a full restoration, we need a detailed understanding of the condition of the building and the challenges we face. These surveys will give us the information we need to plan repairs, develop restoration proposals and secure the substantial funding that will ultimately be required. Our long term vision is to bring the building back into use as a vibrant heritage asset that serves local people and acts as a social, cultural and economic catalyst for the wider area. The former library is one of the area's most recognisable landmarks and many residents have strong memories and connections to the building. People want to know that progress is being made and that there is a clear plan for its future. The work now being commissioned is an important milestone because it will help us understand exactly what needs to be done to safeguard the building and bring it back into use. I know residents will welcome the fact that the Council is now taking practical steps to move the restoration project forward."

Over the coming months residents can expect to see survey work taking place, followed by the development of a schedule of repair works and costs. The information gathered will help determine the scale of future weatherproofing and restoration works, as well as support applications for additional funding needed to secure the building's long term future.

Liverpool and Birmingham go head to head in 6 week walking challenge

LIVERPOOL and Birmingham are set to go head to head in a new 6 week walking and wheeling challenge designed to help people be more active while discovering the green spaces, heritage and hidden gems on their doorstep.

Registration is now open for:-'This City Moves - Liverpool v Birmingham,' which begins on:- 7 September, and invites residents and visitors to log their steps for their City. All participants need to do is download the free Go Jauntly app to sign up.

They will then have 6 weeks to log their steps (or wheels) and residents will have a chance to win a range of prizes including a:- �500 National Trust gift card. Whether walking to the shop or following a trail, every step counts towards their own, and their City's total on the live leaderboard. The City with the highest total will receive 10 blossom trees, while the runner up will receive 3.

To help everyone get moving, Go Jauntly has created more than 20 free photo led walking routes across both Cities, with more to come.

Developed to inspire more people to walk for their wellbeing and enjoy the places where they live, This City Moves is a partnership between Go Jauntly, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, West Midlands Combined Authority, Birmingham City Council and the National Trust, funded by the UK Government and Active Travel England.

In Liverpool, the 5.5km:-'Hidden Gems Walk' in the City Centre, showcases:- sculptures, secret gardens, street art and landmarks linked to Beatle mania. There are also walks for different access needs such as the:-'Princes Park Step Free Walk' which is suitable for wheelchairs and prams

As part of the project, community groups will also have access to small grants to support activities that encourage more people to get out walking and connect with their local area.

Hana Sutch, CEO and Co-founder of Go Jauntly, said:- "Walking is 1 of the simplest ways to improve our health and wellbeing, but many people don't realise how much there is to discover close to home. We've created more than 40 miles of new walking routes across Birmingham and Liverpool to help people explore their local green spaces, heritage and culture. A little friendly competition can be a great motivator, so we're inviting people to step up for their city. Whether you're walking or wheeling to the shops, taking the children to School or heading out for a leisure walk, every goal-hit day counts towards your city's total on the live leaderboard. Download the app and sign up today."

Simon O'Brien, Walking and Cycling Commissioner for the Liverpool City Region, said:- "We can all benefit from walking more. It's one of the simplest ways to improve our physical health, support our mental wellbeing and spend time enjoying the places around us. This City Moves is a fantastic initiative because it gives people an extra reason to get out and about, whether that's as part of their daily routine or by exploring somewhere new. The Liverpool City Region is full of beautiful parks, waterfronts, green spaces and neighbourhoods, and the challenge is a great way to help people discover more of them. The app includes walks for all abilities, highlighting some of the area's hidden gems and local heritage, so I'd encourage everyone to get involved and enjoy everything our region has to offer."

Chantelle Williams, Project Lead at National Trust, said:- "We're so pleased to be supporting This City Moves" walking is 1 of the simplest ways to improve our health and wellbeing and it can help people build stronger connections with nature, heritage and their local communities."

To take part in This City Moves: Birmingham v Liverpool, download the free Go Jauntly app and follow the registration instructions. Registration is now open and the challenge begins on:- 7 September 2026.

For more information and to sign up for the challenge visit:- ThisCityMoves.Com.

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Restoration of Everton landmark takes major step forward as surveys and repair programme begin

Liverpool and Birmingham go head to head in 6 week walking challenge