New park and even a beach planned for Liverpool Waterfront
A 30-year vision to revamp the area has been revealed
Last updated 12th Nov 2025
Liverpool City Council is set to review a landmark 30-year vision for revitalising the city’s waterfront, aiming to prioritise public life, sustainability, and accessibility.
The Liverpool Waterfront Vision focuses on reconnecting the city centre with the banks of the Mersey through a series of transformative projects.
Key proposals aim to create safer, greener, and more inclusive public spaces along the waterfront, stretching from Otterspool in the south to the new Everton Stadium in the north.
A new Merseyfront Walkway
At the heart of the vision is the Merseyfront Walkway, a continuous, weather-friendly route designed to promote active travel and social interaction.
The plan also includes the development of new green spaces, such as Dingle Bank and The Otter’s Pool, aimed at supporting natural habitats and creating inclusive community areas.
Mixed-use developments like Brunswick Market District and Baltic Beach form part of the plans, blending residential, heritage, and commercial elements with vibrant public areas.
Improvements to the city’s transport, including park-and-ride facilities, are also on the agenda to reduce car dependency.
Revamping existing spaces
One of the most ambitious proposals is the transformation of The Strand, a major traffic route, into a pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly linear parkway. This includes reducing vehicle lanes, introducing green spaces, and building rapid transit options.
The Great Howard–Leeds Street junction, a busy intersection, is set for a makeover with plans to sink traffic underground, making way for a pedestrian-friendly plaza and transit hub on the surface.
The Vision, developed with urban design experts West 8, draws inspiration from projects around the world including Toronto’s waterfront revitalisation.
If approved at the Liverpool City Council Cabinet meeting on 18th November, the Vision will guide coordinated planning and development across the area. A Waterfront Steering Group and a Design Review Panel will be established to ensure high standards in its implementation.
Councillor Nick Small, Member for Growth and Economic Strategy, said: “This Vision is about giving Liverpool’s waterfront back to its people.
“For too long, The Strand has acted as a barrier – a noisy, car-dominated space that disconnects our communities from the river. The proposals will transform it into a green, welcoming boulevard where pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport come first.
“It’s not just about infrastructure – it’s about creating places where people feel safe, connected, and proud of their city.”
West 8 partner Martin Biewenga said: “Successful waterfronts around the world are made by the people of the city. The Vision is the outcome of listening and collaboration with local communities and stakeholders. It’s your vision as much as it is ours.”
The ambitious initiative aims to create a waterfront that is functional, beautiful, and rooted in community values, with plans to link heritage-rich areas with modern transit systems and new green spaces in harmony with local and ecological needs.