Zip World has secured planning permission for a zip wire attraction in the centre of Liverpool.
The North Wales adventure giant wants to 'fly' thrill seekers from the top of the 140metre high St John's Beacon to the historic Liverpool Central Library.
Zip World Liverpool will be the company’s first zip line outside of Wales, and the fastest urban zip in the world.
The scheme had been widely welcomed although some city centre councillors claimed it would lead to the "disneyfication" of the city centre and cllr Nick Small said the zip wire could be disrespectful to nearby memorials.
Zip World founder Sean Taylor, a former Royal Marine, gave assurances over respecting the memorials and recognising the sensitivity of the "heritage assets" in that area.
It was recommended for approval from planning officers and this morning the members of the council's planning committee gave it the green light.
They hope to have the attraction open by next summer.
He today added: "We have worked tirelessly with our planning team over the last 18-24months to get the Zip World Liverpool project to this point.
Most Read
"We would be honoured to be a part of this incredible city with its history and culture. There is no city like it.”
A Liverpool City Council spokesperson said: “We have been in discussions for some time with Zip World and have sought reassurances that the way this zip-wire is designed will not interfere with the day-to-day operation of the library.
"Central Library is already a tourist attraction in its own right, and it is felt this will help further boost visitor numbers as well as providing a valuable income stream at a time when we have significant budget challenges, and are increasingly looking to generate revenue to protect much-loved services such as libraries.”
Neil Ashcroft, centre manager, St Johns Shopping Centre, said: “We are delighted about the positive planning decision taken today.
"Just this month we launched our new brand and strategy for St Johns Shopping Centre, incorporating the four elements of Shop, Eat, Play and Discover.
“We recognise that over the coming years the centre, and the city, need to innovate and offer new experiences to shoppers and tourists alike. The new Zip World attraction will create interest, bring in new visitors and add a certain wow factor to the area – just what we need right now.”