Foreword
Cllr Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council
At the heart of Liverpool 2040 is a commitment to equity and ensuring that no one is left behind. These principles are at the core of Liverpool’s identity - from the Hillsborough families’ fight for justice to the incredible community and partnership response to rebuilding the Spellow Hub and Library following the race riots in the city.
Make no mistake, the road to achieving this vision will not be without challenges. The early years of the 2020s have already exposed and deepened inequalities nationally and in Liverpool, compounded by the Covid-19 pandemic, economic stagnation, and the ongoing cost of living crisis. Our projections show that health outcomes and inequalities will worsen without concerted action to change direction.
Yet, we are in a stronger position than ever to drive meaningful change. Our partnership approach to working with our communities on a neighbourhood footprint is maturing, meaning we are better able to shape services around the unique challenges and opportunities identified by the people who live in them. We are fully committed to promoting an anti-racist approach across all aspects of life in the city.
We have a strong relationship with our city region partners and the Liverpool City Region, and are working positively with them and the government to secure the powers and resources to deliver our shared ambitions for the city, the region and the wider UK.
We acknowledge that lasting change takes time, which is why we have set a 15 year timeline for our vision. Despite this, we are determined that residents will see immediate and incremental improvements in the here and now, and I am deeply optimistic about the progress we can make together on an ongoing basis.
The regeneration of north Liverpool will gather pace this year with the opening of the new Everton stadium and the redevelopment of central docks spurring further development and housing growth. The expansion of Paddington Village will further strengthen the already thriving Knowledge Quarter. And we will continue to celebrate our diverse communities and to secure major international, cultural and sporting events to make Liverpool an exciting place to live and attract investors and visitors.
In partnership, as the largest public, private, and community and voluntary organisations in the city, we are committed to working in new and innovative ways, alongside everyone who lives, works, visits and invests in Liverpool. Together, we will do everything we can to make Liverpool a city with opportunities for everyone, irrespective of their background and where no one is left behind.
A child born today will be celebrating their 15th birthday in 2040. By then, we want them to have grown up in a city where they feel they belong and where they are safe, secure, and happy in their neighbourhoods and homes. They will be supported to live healthy lives in a city that is resilient, accessible and adapting to the impacts of climate change. They will be looking ahead to developing careers in a strong, inclusive economy built on innovation and opportunity. This is our shared vision and we are committed to working together as a partnership - alongside our citizens and partners - to turn it into a reality.