Plans for Liverpool's first new train station and public park in decades have taken a major step forward after the Baltic Triangle's draft spatial regeneration framework (SRF) was approved by the council.
The ambitious masterplan for the area, now home to more than 500 businesses employing thousands of people, include a new rail station at St James Street and a new 'Baltic Park' - the first of the 21st Century.
That's as well as improved pedestrian and cycle routes, more green corridors and design guidelines for 'areas of change' such as the , the , Wapping Goods Terminal and Cains Brewery Village.
The SRF, led by consultants LDA Design who also oversaw the public consultation, aims to set out guidelines on the remaining available land to balance the needs of business growth and residential development.
It will be used in guiding planning applications in the area. It will be endorsed as a Supplementary Planning Document following adoption of Liverpool’s 15 year Local Plan, which is expected to come into force in late 2021.
It was approved by the cabinet on Friday. Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said: “The Baltic Triangle is a great Liverpool success story but the time has come for a new chapter to take it to the next level.
“This new masterplan sets out some bold ideas and projects to create a healthy, vibrant place to work and live, such as the train station and park, and with the right investment it will help guide its growth for the decades to come.
“Consultation with businesses and residents has been crucial to how this plan was shaped. They will also be vital to its successful implementation, and I thank everyone for their input and commitment to making the Baltic the best possible place to invest and work in.
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“The area’s position as one of Britain’s fastest-growing digital and creative hubs is something the city takes great pride in and we want to nurture this to ensure it can help fuel Liverpool’s growth out of the Covid crisis over the coming years.”
Liam Kelly, chair of the Baltic Triangle Area CIC, said: "It's extremely welcomed news that the council’s cabinet has approved these plans. This is a significant step in the right direction for game-changing plans such as the train station, but also more immediate solutions to challenges the area faces with development pressures - such as Agent of Change.
“These principles in particular are key to protecting the iconic night time industry that has contributed so significantly to the area's identity. The recent pandemic has further highlighted to us the importance of the limited green spaces in the area, and the inclusion of the Baltic Park will support the fantastic work already underway bringing people together on the Baltic Green."