Start of pier head scheme opens

The first stage of an £8m project to transform Liverpool's historic Pier Head is to be unveiled.

In the past 12 months the area in front of the iconic Three Graces has been revamped to create a large public space to stage events and a new canal basin.

The first stage of the three-phase project opens on Tuesday, funded by the North West Development Agency (NWDA) and regional government.

Further work will see the area around the new ferry terminal completed.

The pier heard initiative has been backed by Liverpool City Council.

'Economic benefits'

Councillor Warren Bradley, council leader, said: "Transforming the waterfront has been one of our main priorities in regenerating Liverpool.

"At the heart of that is the pier head. It is an area which is known throughout the world and is the core of our World Heritage site."

The canal link will open in spring 2009 when narrow boats will be able to pass across the pier head.

Robin Evans, chief executive of British Waterways, which has led the pier head project, said: "The canal link will bring animation to the waterfront and rejuvenate the communities the canal passes through creating jobs and brining economic benefits to the region."

Other features of the scheme include new lighting, trees, sheltered and seated areas along the pier head and a new lawn around the Edward VII statue, which has been restored.

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