Liverpoool World Heritage Site branding launched as city prepares to welcome inspectors
Liverpool businesses are being asked to show their support for Liverpool’s World Heritage Site status – which is currently under the international spotlight.
Companies are being asked to display World Heritage Site (WHS) branding, to get out the message that they are located in a World Heritage city.
The six designated historic areas of the city centre will have their own specially-designed sign, which features a contemporary version of medieval capital letters associated with each area.
For example, the Pier Head’s new signage is a letter “P”, which is illustrated with images of the Liver Building and the Museum of Liverpool.
But city leaders are keen to emphasise that the WHS spreads much wider than just the Pier Head.
The other logos are for the Albert Dock, Stanley Dock, Castle Street, William Brown Street and Lower Duke Street.
In early October, Unesco, which awards World Heritage status, is sending a mission to the city over fears the £5.5bn Liverpool Waters plans to develop the northern docklands could damage the WHS.
Liverpool council explained that it has been drawing up the plans for the branding for 18 months, and was not a response to Unesco’s mission.
The inspectors will advise Unesco’s World Heritage Committee whether the city’s status, which was awarded in 2004, should go on the “at risk” register.
The city council has delayed making a decision on planning permission for the Liverpool Waters until after the mission has visited the city.
Businesses within the six historic areas are initially being asked to use the branding on their marketing materials and communications with customers. The council is also hoping to produce a window sticker for businesses to put in their windows.
The badges of pride consist of emblems using the expression “Proud to be part of Liverpool World Heritage City”.
Venues in the Albert Dock will have a giant “A” and features pictures of a vessel and the immediately recognisable Dock buildings, while William Brown Street’s giant “W” has representations of St George’s Hall, Wellington’s Column and Lime Street Station within it.
Liverpool council’s cabinet member for culture and tourism, Cllr Wendy Simon, said: “There has been a great deal of speculation relating to Liverpool’s future as a World Heritage city, but this launch reaffirms our commitment to our title.
“This branding has been a long time in the making, and I’m delighted we’ve developed such striking illustrations which will help us spread the word far and wide that we are proud to be home to a World Heritage Site and want to do as much as we can to promote these areas to residents and visitors.
“We’re encouraging businesses across the city to wear the badge of pride and showcase how important our cultural heritage is.” Liverpool council’s cabinet member for regeneration, Cllr Malcolm Kennedy, said the initiative was aimed at highlighting the importance of the WHS.
“It’s a very careful balance to conserve our historical roots and at the same time encourage the city to grow and expand.
“However, we believe it’s possible to strike that balance between conservation and regeneration, retaining the value of the World Heritage Site, and at the same time meeting the needs of a thriving, modern city.”
National Museums Liverpool, Liverpool One, Merseytravel, Bibby Line Group, Liverpool Vision and The Albert Dock Tenants Association are backing the scheme.
Chris Bliss, estate director at Liverpool One, said: “By supporting this initiative with other businesses in the community, we can also help acknowledge the important landmarks from Liverpool’s past which have helped make it a World Heritage city.”
Surrounding locations, known as the buffer zone, are also being asked to wear the badge of pride, including China Town, Parliament Street, Rodney Street, the two cathedrals and the immediate areas surrounding them. They are being encouraged to display an “L” in their window, representing the overarching “Liverpool” brand, and has images including a Liver Bird, the River Mersey, the Dock Wall and art installation Penelope.
For more information about the branding, visit www.liverpoolworldheritage.com
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