Works starts on University Square
_tcm81-128402.jpg "Artist's impression of Liverpool's proposed University Square")
Work has started on a scheme which will see major improvements to the main entrance at the University of Liverpool's campus.
The £1.5m University Square scheme will see the public realm on the open space at the junction of Mount Pleasant and Brownlow Hill refurbished.
The project was originally proposed by the University of Liverpool as part of its Campus Enhancement Project and forms part of the City Centre Movement Strategy, a £73m package of road and footpath improvements to provide a balanced and sustainable transport system, accessible to all.
It is also the first phase of a programme of work to improve the public realm in the Liverpool Knowledge Quarter and its connection with the city centre.
Improvements include relaying footpaths to the main square in high quality granite paving. Modern street furniture and high quality street lighting will also feature as well as new planting and landscaping.
Highway improvements also include a new pedestrian crossing at the junction, kerb realignment and new traffic signals.
Work started on the first phase of the programme on 14 July. It is anticipated that the full programme, including the carriageway works will be completed by Spring 2009.
Cllr Peter Millea, the City Council's Executive Member for Assets and Development said:
"This is a scheme close to my heart as I remember taking my final exams before graduating from the University at the Victoria Building overlooking this area.
"It will make this part of the city look much better and will be safer for pedestrians. The Knowledge Quarter is a very important part of the city and it is important that we have high-quality public realm there as we create a city centre that is safe, clean and attractive. "
Patrick Hackett, Director of Facilities Management at the University of Liverpool, said:
"The refurbishment of University Square, which serves the Victoria Gallery and Museum, the University's headquarters and the Liverpool Guild of Students, is part of our strategy to enhance the experience of staff, students and visitors to the university and the city."
Jenny Douglas, Planning Director of Liverpool Vision added:
"University Square is the first of a series of projects Liverpool Vision, with the NWDA and the City Council, hopes to deliver in this area over the next three to four years. This scheme exemplifies the objectives of the programme as it provides an enhanced public space and pedestrian priority on a busy bus route at the heart of the Knowledge Quarter and will help attract more investors to the knowledge economy which already generates more than £1bn a year for Liverpool."
Birse Civils North West have been appointed contractors for this scheme.
TRAFFIC IMPLICATIONS:
Work on this scheme means Mount Pleasant will be closed at its junction with Brownlow Hill for approximately six months.
During this time, traffic will be directed one way, using temporary traffic lights, along Brownlow Hill and delays must be expected. Diversion routes for traffic using Mount Pleasant will be available via Oxford Street, Abercromby Square, Grove Street, Crown Street and Brownlow Hill.
Alternative bus services to the Liverpool University from Student Halls of residence will stop in Abercromby Square for the period of the closure.
The temporary traffic proposals will remain in place throughout the Christmas Holiday period.
(First published 07 July 2008)