Senior regional leaders gathered at a Downtown in Business event this week to discuss one of the UK’s most significant regeneration opportunities – the New Town proposal for North Liverpool – and shared bold ambitions for transforming deprived communities through public-private collaboration.
Chaired by Downtown in Business CEO Frank McKenna, the event featured insights from Cllr Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council; Cllr Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Borough Council; Stuart Barnes, Assistant Director for Economic Growth and Housing at Sefton Council; Elaine Bowker, Principal of the City of Liverpool College; and Stephen Cowperthwaite, Managing Director of Avison Young, Liverpool.
Cllr Liam Robinson set out the vision behind the New Town application for North Liverpool, describing it as “a social mission as much as a housing programme.” With plans for 10,000 new homes, the project aims to regenerate areas long impacted by industrial decline and deprivation. Robinson stressed the significance of the “brownfield first” approach, ensuring developments are both scalable and sustainable.
He highlighted that only 30% of residents in the proposed development area are economically active, while 97% of children are currently eligible for free school meals. “This is about more than homes – it’s about transforming lives,” he said. Crucially, the initiative has not only the support of both Liverpool and Sefton councils, but also the full backing of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
The development strategy prioritises inclusive engagement. “The council has a vital role in land assembly and is working closely with stakeholders including both football clubs, local housing associations, the education sector, and the construction industry,” Robinson added. He also revealed that Liverpool’s upcoming waterfront strategy will align with the New Town proposals.
Cllr Marion Atkinson underlined Sefton’s commitment, stating unequivocally, “We are doing it.” She praised the cross-council collaboration and the shared determination to see the project through. The proposed sites in Sefton are all within a 5–10-minute walk from Bootle town centre – an area already benefitting from improved connectivity and cultural investment.
Atkinson emphasised the importance of embedding infrastructure into the early stages of the development: “Infrastructure cannot be an afterthought.” She pointed to the successful transformation of The Strand in Bootle, with the piece of land the council bought next to the shopping centre becoming a vibrant event and leisure space – attracting big names like Tom Jones – which has also enabled the council to exceed its five-year business plan targets in just three years.
Stuart Barnes highlighted the strengthened partnership between Liverpool and Sefton Councils and confirmed that a decision on New Town status from central government is expected this summer. “This collaborative approach has sharpened the focus on both boroughs and positioned us well for success,” he said.
Stephen Cowperthwaite called the proposal “one of the biggest regeneration opportunities in the country,” and echoed calls for sustained collaboration across public and private sectors.
Elaine Bowker showcased the vital role of skills and training in delivering regeneration, spotlighting the City of Liverpool College’s two existing Centres of Excellence, with a third in the pipeline. These facilities are equipping young people and adult learners with vital skills in construction, energy, and green technologies.
“Without the right skills and talent, developments like this simply can’t happen,” Bowker stated.
Frank McKenna, CEO of Downtown in Business, said:
“This was a really positive and purposeful conversation. It’s clear the ambition is there – and the pieces are falling into place. Downtown and our partners look forward to continuing to support both councils as this vision develops. We’re especially excited about our upcoming parliamentary reception at the House of Commons, where we’ll make the case directly to government ministers for New Town status for North Liverpool.”
