Plans to reconstruct an historic monument and relocate distinctive tunnel toll booths will help shape an “iconic” gateway to Liverpool city centre.
Last week planning permission was approved for a Merseytravel project which will dramatically change the Liverpool entrance to the Queensway Tunnel. The rubber stamped proposal will see an historic lighting column reproduced as well as the return of distinctive toll booths.
From around 1934 to the 1960s, a lighting column and monument designed by Herbet James Rose was the centrepiece of the tunnel entrance. It was part of a pair with its twin still standing on the Birkenhead side of the tunnel on Chester Street.
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The plans will see a replica monument created and placed back near to the entrance beside Old Haymarket. The distinctive art deco toll booths will also be returned to the area as part of its new vision.
One of these will be moved from outside George’s Dock Building Plaza. The booth can currently be seen when people are driving along The Strand with street lamps and other street furniture sharing the same colour scheme.
Changes to the pavement and existing car park at Old Haymarket will also create a shared vehicle and pedestrian crossing. The changes are being carried out with money from the Levelling Up Fund with a spokesperson from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority noting that work should begin in the autumn.
City Centre North Ward Cllr Nick Small said the project will provide an "iconic" and "distinctive" feature at the city centre gateway, he added: "The work is going to be a game changer for the area.” The local councillor said further plans to “green up” the area are being explored as well as an improved “pedestrian gateway” for people making their way towards the business district from Liverpool Lime Street.
Planning documents show the development will mean the removal of five London Plane trees currently set beside Old Haymarket. The documents add that the “proposal would create a significant landmark to the city with an accessible public open space which would bring vitality to the area and would contribute positively to the visual amenities of the area.”
Merseytravel is said to have agreed to replacing the trees by planting new ones at sites under its control. A spokesperson added that planning approval means detailed designs can now be finalised.
A Combined Authority spokesperson said: "This really is an exciting project to restore an important piece of Liverpool City Region heritage after more than 60 years by Queensway Tunnel architect Herbert Rowse which will be built in the original iconic style and placed in new public plaza for people to enjoy.
"The monument also has a starring role in our wider improvement programme set to enhance the public realm in this area along with the entrance to the Queensway Tunnel making the area more attractive and vibrant. This will include decorative lighting, an accessible seating area, customer information screens and public safety measures, all of which is being made possible through our Levelling up Fund.
"Planning approval means we can now finalise the detail designs with a view to confirming an autumn start date."
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