Downtown in Business hosted a meeting between Liverpool City Council Commissioners and Officials this week to discuss the issues, challenges, and opportunities facing the city.
Hosted by the Hilton Hotel, the two-hour discussion focussed on Liverpool’s future, rather than reflecting too much on the past.
A range of topics were debated, including planning, procurement, political leadership, and investment.
Regeneration Commissioner Deborah McLaughlin, Highways Commissioner Neil Gibson, and Interim Director of City Development Mark Bourgeois spoke candidly about the challenges the council faced, and the progress made – and announced the appointment of Nuala Gallagher to the role of the City Councils new Director of City Development.
DIB Group chair and chief executive Frank McKenna, who chaired the event, commented:
“I am grateful to the Commissioners and Mark for engaging with DIB members. I think it is important for them to hear the genuine frustrations and concerns the private sector has about the city at the moment.
“Nonetheless, I think it is fair to say that we all left the meeting feeling far more optimistic about Liverpool’s future. Some good progress is being made, and with permanent Directors now being appointed to key positions, new strategically important roles being created, and a fresh political leadership set to be in place by May, we have a real opportunity to reset and move forward.”
