Inside... THE BIG STORY
HOT TOPIC
LET’S DEBATE
CHRISTMAS GUIDE
Liverpool & HS2
DOWN YOUR STREET
Business Rates
Spotlight on Water Street
& more...
LET’S MEET
CHRISTMAS 2014
BE ‘APPY THIS CHRISTMAS Download the free city centre app that saves you money!
2
WELCOME TO ThIS PUBLICATION
Welcome Contents
Where has 2014 gone?
It’s a question we often the BID Company. I suppose it’s the nature of working in such a busy city centre,
It seems only yesterday we were talking about preparing for IFB and welcoming the Giants. And as I’m writing this, the BID team is preparing to launch an amazing Christmas programme. Like everything we do at the BID Company, our main goal is to keep improving and I have planned is a step up from the one before.
3 4 8 9 10 12 14 15 16 19
You’ll notice we’ve also changed this publication to
issues affecting the Commercial District - and what you think with new features such as ‘Hot Topic’, ‘Down Your Street’ and ‘In My Opinion’. I’d like to thank all those who’ve contributed to this issue and to everyone who has supported the BID Company in 2014. We’ve just held our AGM at which Chairman Jim Gill rightly described 2015 as our biggest year.
STATE OF THE DISTRICT DISTRICT NEWS IN MY OPINION BID NEWS THIS BIG STORY LET’S DEBATE HOT TOPIC DOWN YOUR STREET LET’S MEET GUIDE TO CHRISTMAS
As I said: Busy! So here’s to a great New Year and a Happy Christmas to you all. Bill Addy, Chief Exec Liverpool BID Company
Advertise in this magazine Promote your business to more than 870 businesses employing more than 60,000 people. We distribute 4,000 copies across the Commercial District. Ask for our Rate Card by contacting 0151 233 2890 or email - info@liverpoolbidcompany.com
Commercial District BID www.thecommercialdistrict.com 0151 233 2890 Twitter: @Lplcommdistrict Facebook: /TheCommercialDistrictBID If you have any queries about the magazine or want to feature, please email info@liverpoolbidcompany.com
Design: Liverpool BID Company Editorial: Liverpool BID Company No part of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission of the distributor. The articles in this magazine are for information purposes only. THIS assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information; nor for any actions taken
in reliance thereon. The information contained about each individual, event or organisation has been provided by such individual, event organiser or organisation with permission. The opinion expressed in each article is the opinion of its author and does not
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874
Commercial District BID members
60,000
54%
50% 40% 30%
Commercial District employees (Est.)
7,023,024 sq ft office space
of BID members increased their turnover in the last 12 months
20% 10% improved
same
of BID members think local economy will improve over the next 3 years
reduced
All about the bid You like that we look after...
....you also want to see more...
nsing clea
fa s
tb
roa
dban
d
street lighting
ity cur se
str
eet
pave
m ents
sup
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seasonal and networking events
...and the best way to engage with you is over email...
@
76%
of BID members prefer to get contacted by email
We’d love to hear your feedback about the Commercial District Please email us at info@liverpoolbidcompany.com
4
DISTRICT NEWS
shape at Cotton Yard Work is well underway at Liverpool’s Cotton Yard as law
Managing partner Alison Lobb said:
relocate its headquarters to the Old Hall Street site.
“These are very exciting times
The Bruntwood-owned development, part of the Cotton Quarter, is undergoing refurbishment to offer around 15,000 sq ft of state-of-the-
shape.
courtyard. Formerly occupied by the Grade II-listed space in the heart of the commercial district was once the international nerve centre of the city’s booming cotton industry. Morecrofts’ relocation follows its 200th anniversary last year and is set to mark the beginning of a new era for the the second annual Merseyside Independent Business Awards at the Titanic Hotel.
Colin Sinclair, head of property marketing at Bruntwood, said:
Work is expected to complete relocating in early 2015.
Businesses sign up to Citybike Businesses in the Commercial District are being encouraged to ask their staff to get on their bikes with the city’s new cycle hire scheme.
Street Station, Baltic Creative area, the Commercial District
The Citybike corporate membership scheme is open to any business. Employer money on city trips by not 0151 374 2034.
1,000 bikes by 2015.
For further information follow @citybikelpl on Twitter to keep up to date with the latest news and station details or go to www.citybikeliverpool.co.uk
5
DISTRICT NEWS
Record rankings for Weightmans in Legal 500
WANTED: 100 leading women of Liverpool
regional review and listed in the West and East Midlands respectively. Weightmans’ Managing Partner, John Schorah says the achievements in this year’s Legal 500 are a true consistent growth and progress:
Partner at Weightmans Weightmans LLP, has been recommended as a TOP-TIER recommended in a further 50 practice areas in the latest edition of The Legal 500. also moved up the rankings in 11 areas. lawyers have been listed in an elite ‘leading lawyers’ list, and 99 lawyers have been recommended in The Legal 500 United Kingdom has also been ranked for a consecutive year as a band
The last 12 months has been a period of growth for Weightmans, with numerous key hires, the recently reported expansion for the a record turnover of £87m year, which saw a revenue growth of 6.6% across all business lines. growth in a number of key areas in the recently published Chambers 2015 directory. It has gained new rankings for 12 Partners and Associates and now has a record 68 Partners and Associates ranked.
A Liverpool artist is looking for female captains of industry in the Commercial District to sign up to an art project that aims to highlight issues faced by vulnerable women in the city.
Clare said: ”
Big Love Sista has launched a “Stand up for Sista-hood” campaign, with the aim of gathering 100 women leaders of Liverpool to paint self-portraits.
The critically acclaimed project – which will require a commitment of 1 hour a week and a donation towards materials - promises ‘to be packed with inspiration’, offering networking, connections, beautiful art, powerful workshops, great PR opportunities and the chance to celebrate the women of Liverpool internationally.
The art work produced will be showcased by celebrated artist Clare Campbell at The Southbank Centre in London, in March 2015. The NHS funded project has a serious side to highlight the issues faced by 100 vulnerable women in Liverpool including those recovering from domestic violence, breast cancer, older women in care homes and young girls in care and others.
For more info please contact Clare on 07813920489 or clarecampbell@me.com www.biglovesista.com Stand Up for Sita-hood Launch: Wednesday, 10 December 11.30am -12.30 The Box @ FACT
Saveaway gets smart on ‘Walrus’ card scratch off, off-peak day ticket for buses, trains and ferries – is going electronic, the Walrus smartcard. In a staged roll out, scratch off Saveaways will be replaced with smartcard versions in Wirral from 24 November, with cards available across the rest of Merseyside by the end of March 2015. The tickets, which have been on sale for 40 years, will be available from around 800 PayPoint outlets across Merseyside, more than doubling the current number of places people can buy Saveaways.
Saveaways, with around three million sold last year, it is anticipated that, in the next six months, Merseyside will be one of the top regions outside London, in terms of smart ticketing transactions. Cllr Liam Robinson, Chair of Merseytravel, said:
to smart ticketing from assessing data on journeys taken to the associated ‘touch on’ reducing fraud and associated costs. For a limited period, up to April 2015, people will be able to get a smart card for free on purchasing a Saveaway. From April onwards there will be a £1 activation charge for all new cards. The card is designed to be kept, re-used and, longer term, to host other ticketing products. As not all current Saveaway retailers will have the facility to retail smart Saveaways, there will be a phasing out of scratch off Saveaway tickets at these outlets over a two
month period from the time the scheme is introduced in each area. For more information visit www.merseytravel.gov.uk/ smartsaveaway
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DISTRICT NEWS
Get on board the River Festival business club Sue Weir, Chief Executive of Medicash, said:
delivering a media coverage value in excess of £1m and an economic impact of £6.9m. An even bigger and better programme of events is planned for 2015, over the weekend of 5 – 7 June. Mayor Anderson said:
appetite from organisations Businesses are being offered a unique opportunity to be part of a ‘club’ to grow one of the city’s most popular maritime events, and boost their business in the process. Companies across the North West region are being approached to become part
And as a result Medicash has been automatically entered into a draw to win
100 Club – which would see up to 100 organisations pay £3,000 each to develop the
prizes – naming rights of River Festival, the Music Element and Main Sponsor of Participation/Education Programme as well as promotional opportunities across all marketing platforms connected with the Festival – which will be worth in excess of £100,000.
Festival. Commercial District BID Member, Medicash is the latest company to sign up.
Members of the Mayoral 100 Club will also receive core to business networking is on 4 December) a VIP hospitality experience at the festival, member newsletters, use of the club logo and branding opportunities. The 2014 International Mersey River Festival attracted over 200,000 visitors, featuring artists such as Russell Watson and key media partners including the BBC and Smooth FM,
“This positive economic
For further information on trudy.redfern@liverpool.gov. uk or 0151 600 2909.
Scheme challenges Liverpool Free courses for employees to be a ‘Friendly WiFi’ city The Liverpool Adult Learning Service is offering FREE part-time english and maths courses to employed adults and volunteers.
Businesses in Liverpool who offer their customers public internet access can now opt into ‘Friendly WiFi’, the scheme. ‘Friendly WiFi’ keeps children, vulnerable adulds and young people safe from viewing inappropriate material when logged into the public WiFi that’s offered in cafes, shops, hotels and restaurants across the UK. The Registered Digital Institute (RDI) developed ‘Friendly WiFi’ in collaboration with the Government, The UK Council for Child Internet Safety and the UK’s main WiFi providers. Claire Lilley, Head of Child Online Safety at NSPCC, is backing the scheme:
Who is eligible?
Where will it be delivered?
-Anyone aged 19 years or over who is resident in Merseyside.
At an Adult Learning Centre (nearest to your workplace) or at your workplace if 6 or more staff are involved.
-Individuals currently employed by any business based in Merseyside (private / public and third sector organisations)
they have any Businesses in Liverpool who offer public WiFi to their customers, and once approved, can then display the ‘Friendly WiFi’ symbol to make it clear that their WiFi is ‘Friendly’. fw@rdi-online.co.uk or call 01353 644040 or visit
-Individuals who have an employment contract (including volunteers) of over 8 hours per week
How long will it take? A typical course takes up to 45 hours. As an example, we may run
-Individuals whose maths and english skills are currently below Level 2 (GCSE Grade C)
week over 15 weeks but we will agree a delivery time period which suits the needs of you and your employer.
What’s the cost?
How do we get involved?
It’s FREE - for learners and employers!
For more information and an application form, please contact Liverpool in Work on 0151 233 1933.
Will my employer give me time off to attend? Small organisations with less than 250 staff will be paid learners taking part.
Or email liverpoolinwork@ liverpool.gov.uk Or go to liverpoolinwork.co.uk
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DISTRICT NEWS
Castle Street tribute to Roy
Liverpool’s iconic Castle Street is to be temporarily renamed to mark the 20th anniversary of the death of Roy Castle. The renaming of Roy Castle Street honours the high awareness of Lung Cancer, which sadly took the popular entertainer’s life in 1994. Since his death the Research Centre and Foundation, that both carry his name, have raised more than £70m to tackle the nation’s deadliest cancer.
The renaming is part of the charity’s year-long ‘Dedication Campaign’, which has included a social media contest known as Roy’s Records and a beer called Dedication Ale by Liverpool Organic Brewery. For information, or to make a donation, contact 0333 323 7200 or visit www.roycastle.org You can donate by texting ROYC20 £5 to 70070.
Flagship Argentinean eatery opening in 2015
Ticket from £ s 13
The new restaurant, CAU, will occupy a 6,000 sq ft site that was formerly home to Britannia Building Society, on the Castle Street side of the Bruntwood-owned building. CAU is owned by the team behind Gaucho and currently has eight UK outlets and one in Amsterdam, all serving a range of South American inspired food. Bruntwood will shortly commence work on site, enabling CAU to
Toby Sproll, head of retail and leisure at Bruntwood, says:
21 No ve mber 201 4 – 17 J anu ar y 2015
year. Charley Springall, marketing director at CAU restaurants, says:
0870 787 1866 | ro yalcour tliverpool.com Queen Insurance Buildings will also welcome a brand new Tune Hotel in 2015, currently being developed by Hotel Land Development Ltd.
/royalcour tliverpool @ro yalcour tliv
8
IN MY OPINION
Late Night Levy, by Liam Doherty Liverpool City Council is to launch a consultation on a Late Night Levy which could be imposed on businesses serving alcohol between midnight and 6 am. In response, Liverpool BID Company will be collating feedback from members. Here Hill Dickinson Associate, Liam Doherty, who specialises in Licensing, casts his view… If the Levy is approved, licensed premises in the Commercial District will pay on average between £768£1,259pa, depending on their rateable value.
of reviews, disturbances, or police involvement would still be liable to pay the Levy if it is implemented.
The council has stated 70% of the net proceeds will be paid directly to the police.
which is already experiencing
It will only add to the
Surprisingly, it is not mandatory that these funds are directly allocated to policing the night time economy – which, of course, is the primary aim of the legislation.
At the time of going to press, six councils have implemented the Levy, with further consultations underway. Where the Levy was rejected it was concluded the administrative costs of managing the Levy would
What does this mean in practice?
of its introduction.
In a nutshell - the Late Night Levy is an additional tax on licensed premises. It is indiscriminate in nature, meaning well managed premises, with no history
Where the Levy has been introduced, premises which are part of “Best Practice” schemes such as Pubwatch, Best Bar None or Purple Flag reduction of the Levy.
A council also has the discretion to allow certain exemptions, including premises with overnight accommodation, theatres, cinemas and, notably, those premises which operate as part of a BID. Interestingly Merseyside Police has proposed that there should be no exemption of this nature, despite Liverpool holding ‘BEACON’ Purple Flag status, and initiatives to ensure a safer late night environment already supported in the two BID areas. There is, however, some positive news to report. On 10 November, in the wake of Nottingham BID’s successful exemption for its members, the Department for Communities and Local Government have announced
its plans to “carefully consider” amending its BID guidance to encourage areas within the scheme to be exempt from the introduction of a Late Night Levy. It will be interesting to note Liverpool City Council and Merseyside Police’s response in light of this encouraging development. The BID Company’s ‘Evening And Night Time Economy Forum’ will be meeting shortly to discuss the Levy. For more information please contact andi.herring@ liverpoolbidcompany.com To discuss legal implications to your business contact Hill Dickinson on: Associate Liam Doherty T: 0151 600 8594 E: liam. doherty@hilldickinson.com
itsliverpool.com
Free Thinking Straight Talking Trendsetting Ever Changing
9
BID NEWS
Get Connected in the Commercial District
Commercial District BID entering “biggest year”
A ‘game-changing’ broadband scheme for Liverpool city centre has been warmly embraced, it can be revealed.
The Commercial District BID is facing its biggest year, its Chairman has declared.
But despite a ‘very encouraging’ take up, time is now ticking for businesses to take advantage of a £3,000 ‘Connection Voucher’.
Speaking at the Liverpool BID
A total of 27 businesses have so far applied to get a better, faster broadband connection. March 2015 and businesses are being urged to make their applications before the end of January. Bryan Adams, founder of PH Creative, on Dale Street, said his business has not looked back since they recently upgraded their broadband with Metronet. He added:
BID was now entering ‘delivery phase’ in its 5 year cycle. Your voucher can be used towards the cost of making the physical connection to your business premises - it cannot pay for monthly rental or for any IT equipment you use in your business. The connection needs to give a real change in service speed - upgrading to a minimum or 20Mbps on a dedicated business grade line (must be at least double the current speed). The scheme also allows for joint applications - which landowners and agents could broker for the tenants in their buildings – which could allow for an amalgamation of vouchers to potentially allow for suppliers to provide a larger, more advanced solution.
Super Fast Broadband is making
our productivity and Bill Addy, Chief Executive of Liverpool BID Company, Liverpool City Council’s delivery partner for the scheme, said: ‘ centre.
Different suppliers would give their recommended solutions and the businesses would decide which one to go with. There is more info on the vouchers scheme at www. connectionvouchers.co.uk For further information contact Andi Herring, Liverpool BID Company, on 0151 233 4733.
At the meeting, held at the newly opened Aloft Hotel, Jim presented the achievements of the past 12 months and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in 2015. Key to the plans for the forthcoming year is a plan to invest almost £2m in the public realm within the district. These plans, which have been devised by the BID Operating Board in partnership Liverpool city council will be outlined in detail in the January issue of the BID magazine. were also approved at the AGM, which spells out the large reserves that have been built up to undertake the public realm improvements: At the meeting, opportunities highlighted. They include: - Broadband Voucher Scheme -Connecting members to the free ThIS Liverpool App -Free hire of BID Boardroom -Free training opportunities with Academy ONE and Liverpool Chamber -Free membership of Retail Radio Crime Alert Scheme, which includes: Free membership of Chamber of Commerce
As well as delivering the public realm improvements, Jim for 2015: 1. Enhance cleansing through new equipment and targeted intervention. 2. Increase income via Commercial Bookings to reinvest. for members. Jim concluded his annual report by saying: ‘’2015 is a pivotal year for the Commercial District BID. ‘’The whole strategy of the BID has been aimed at delivering projects that will have a long lasting impact on the district. been about formulating and developing those plans and now we are entering the critical phase – delivery. off the production line and it’s had a hugely encouraging start and I’d encourage every business and employee to engage with it. ‘’It’s vital now we maintain that standard of delivery throughout the next two years and I have and our partners that this will be the case.’’ The Commercial District BID Annual Report 2013/14 can be downloaded from the Resources section at thecommercialdistrict.com
10
THE BIG STORY
The new free ThIS Liverpool app aims to save money for workers in the Commercial District...
The Slick, simple and easy to use. And so many great deals on it already. Can’t recommed this highly enough. Peter Smith, Marketing Manager Marketing Liverpool
O B J E C T S O F D E S I R E A new app designed to give workers in the Commercial District the best offers in Liverpool city centre has enjoyed 3,000 downloads in
and currently has more than 100 offers listed.
The ThIS Liverpool app contains information about hundreds of shops, restaurants and cultural venues, including details of money-saving offers and discounts.
Bill Addy, Chief Executive of Liverpool BID Company, said:
The launch of the free digital city guide is tailored for those who work in the city centre
The app is available to download free on both Android and Apple platforms.
‘’There are more than 60,000 people working in the Commercial District and we wanted an app that could save them time and money. ‘’ThIS Liverpool app provides deals across shops, eateries
11
THE BIG STORY
Hit Wonder
...and one month after launch, it’s proving rather popular...
Story so far... +3,000 downloads
+100 offers
+50
available on
FREE
and venues for workers and also puts them in the front row for all the great events that happen in the city centre.’’ The ThIS Liverpool app, designed by Liverpool across several categories including clothes and footwear, health and beauty, food and drink, culture and entertainment, home and technology. see what they choose to see.
A further feature is a voucher section which enables people to redeem offers and save their friends money by sharing the deals on social media. There is also an events section and a thematic trails section - with built in offers encouraging users to explore attractions in the city centre. Sara Wilde-McKeown, chair of the Liverpool City Region visitor economy board, described the app as an
events
important step in the city’s ambitions to be a digitallyconnected destination.
1 - Download it. It’s free!
She added: “People expect to be able to access information about their retail and leisure choices in real time and to be able to use mobile platforms to plan their visits and stays.
2 - Encourage your colleagues to download it. It’s free!
“Being able to communicate the richness of our city centre offer is essential if we are to continue to grow the city’s already booming visitor economy.”
4 - All app info is also listed on thisliverpool.com and promoted on Facebook and Twitter. For FREE! For more information go to www.thisliverpool.com
3 - Send your deals to: alvaro.costela@ liverpoolbidcompany.com
12
LET’S DEBATE
In just two months, more than 1,000 businesses from the Liverpool City Region (LCR) have pledged their backing for the High Speed Rail – Linking Liverpool campaign, which aims to make sure that LCR Speed Rail through improved ‘connectivity’. Merseytravel’s Chief Executive David Brown met BID Board members to enlist their support for the campaign, which is backed by the Combined Authority and the Local Enterprise Partnership, as well as Merseytravel. BID Chief Executive Bill Addy said:
Since the BID meeting, HS2 Chairman Sir David Higgins has published his review of the second phase of High Speed Rail development.
the city itself but for the whole City Region and beyond.” said David Brown.
The review endorsed the two planned routes joining the to Manchester and Leeds, but stressed that urgent additional work was needed to forge ‘transformational’ connections from west to east, with high speed links beneath the Pennines helping to reduce journey times between the major northern cities. The City Region is a key member of One North, working with other cities in the North to demonstrate the need for full connectivity, boosting links from East – West and North – South. “Delivering full High Speed Rail connectivity into Liverpool city centre is vital not just for
Manchester City Council’s Chief Executive Sir Howard Bernstein reinforced the need for Liverpool to be a key part of the High Speed future, when he addressed a Downtown meeting in the city. Sir Howard said: “We need to focus on maximum connectivity and
Delivering full High Speed Rail is vital for the whole City Region and beyond.
part is to increase connectivity between Liverpool and Manchester. This has to be a holistic, integrated programme over 10-15 years.
together.
more investment into the North.
13
LET’S DEBATE
Whatsay... they
And David Brown added: “The campaign has got real momentum and we are determined to use the demonstrable backing of businesses and individuals to make our case for full connectivity for the entire City Region.” High Speed Rail – Linking Liverpool campaign and to pledge your business’ support, visit www. highspeedrailliverpool.org/ business
14
HOT TOPIC
Business Rates A burden worth challenging
business rates are the highest occupational cost for most companies. Frank Alder
Matthews & Goodman is an independent LLP, providing valued clients with trusted property advice. Here Frank Alder, Head of Northern Rating, talks about an issue affecting every business... “After rent, business rates are the highest occupational cost for most companies.”
change to Rateable Values and 170,000 outstanding cases to be cleared by July
The postponement of the 2015 Revaluation was a blow to many occupiers, particularly in cities such as Liverpool where rental values have fallen since the peak of the market in 2008 the date which sets the tone for Rateable Values under the current 2010 list.
Agency (VOA) and Valuation Tribunal Service (VTS) are keen to reduce the number of speculative appeals going forward.”
Effectively businesses are being charged rates based on historic, top-of-themarket values. In his autumn statement, the Chancellor announced some measures of help to ratepayers. The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has also launched a consultation that seeks to implement current business rate practices by October 2014. “With an astounding 75% of appeals resulting in no
To achieve this DCLG’s aims are: To improve transparency in the business rate valuation process by making more evidence available “up front”. To reform the formal challenge system by explain why they consider assessments wrong together with supporting evidence. of the VOA and VTS. However it’s certainly not all gloom. Apart from appealing assessments on valuation grounds, there are other
avenues available to lessen the rates burden including cases of building works, division or merger of assessments, exemptions, short term occupations or changes in the locality. Recently high vacancy rates supported our negotiations with the VOA which led to retrospective reductions in liability of up to 10% on the Liverpool. We are presently working on cases in the Commercial District. If you haven’t already challenged your rates liability, now might be the time to get an adviser on board. Want more info on this issue? Please contact Frank on 0151 242 1081 / falder@ matthews-goodman.co.uk
Frank Alder, Head of Northern Rating
15
DOWN YOUR STREET
Down your street...
Water Street
Walking through the streets of the Commercial District, you can easily take for granted how impressive our surroundings really are. The area is full of amazing buildings steeped with history. But what of their future? street in the District and examining new projects, new ideas or simply new businesses that could in one way or another help shape the city’s fortunes. And where better to begin than with one of Liverpool’s oldest streets…
Artists make designs on 8 Water Street
India Buildings In a city rich with architectural classics, India Buildings stands out as
Liverpool’s historic Water Street could be about to herald a new wave of lettings in the Commercial District, led by the city’s arts community.
The buildings’ owners, Green Property Ventures, are undertaking a multi-million pound renovation programme throughout the Water Street building, renovating and restoring the existing period features and adding modern functionality and facility enhancements.
It is arguably the most architecturally emblematic street of the Empire’s second city – from India Buildings to New Zealand House.
HQ space designed for large corporates, India Buildings has recently seen a refurbishment
So you maybe forgiven for not noticing the less glamorously named 8 Water Street. But it’s turning heads now, under the custodianship of an arts collective called ‘If Only…’ tenants.
“The Hub”, a development designed for the dynamic SME community within a dedicated business centre.
the building’s empty spaces with cultural, arts and charitable activities.
The Hub has been born due to a growing demand from SME within a vibrant managed environment. It provides a ‘easy in, easy out’ terms within a fully managed environment. free inclusive packages so they can concentrate on doing what they do best. Mike Tapp, director at Green Property Ventures, comments:
In a rent-free arrangement, with a well-known insurance company, sponsored by the national artist-led disability organisation SHAPE Arts, the group of local artists have taken
In recent months Water Street Marketing Company, Collabora Consulting quantity surveyors and industrial insulation specialists Insdur Nevron have moved into The Hub, and the space has also played host to a successful networking session for Liverpool Vision’s “Liverpool in London” initiative.
‘If Only…’ is seeking to repopulate the spaces of 8 Water Street – which had been just 10% let - with painters, dancers, musicians and organisations which support marginal and minority groups through cultural activity - be it rehearsal, studio and exhibition spaces to storage and meeting rooms.
For more information visit www.india-buildings.com or call Neil Kirkham at CBRE on 0151 224 7666.
Roger Hill, one of the ‘If Only...’ collective, said: “
The collective had already used a space at the Bluecoat for a bigger venue for a longer period. So when SHAPE made it known they were looking to creating an arts hub in the North West, ‘ The ‘If Only...’ collective cosigned a User Agreement with SHAPE UK in August, and since then 8 tenants have signed up to occupy the available small rooms and many organisations like Dada Fest and the Fallen Angels Dance Theatre have used the bigger spaces for rehearsals and regular sessions. Roger continued: “
‘If Only…’ please email ifonlyperformance@gmail. com
16
LET’S MEET
Spotlight on Andi Herring
publication
In good ‘Nick’ Six months on from becoming the youngest rector of Liverpool Parish Church in a century, Fr. Crispin Pailing is restless. Fresh from a very successful eight year stint at a Birmingham parish, the father of two is a person for whom boundless enthusiasm seems a natural default. But soon after arriving in Liverpool, a city he says “you can’t fail to be impressed by”, he freely admits he found himself ‘having concerns’. One concern was realising the church was not open seven days a week – “in a city centre as busy as Liverpool’s, that needed addressing.”
MEMBER LIAISON OFFICER Commercial District BID Hi! I’m Andi and I have recently joined the BID your behalf, a trouble-shooter for any issues you have and it’s my job to make sure you get the most from your levy. I joined the BID from chairing the Stanley Street Quarter CIC (a joint project between Liverpool City Council and the area stakeholders) which aims to promote and develop that area, on the edge of the Commercial District. I have also been involved in the City’s Purple Flag working group when
And on the fact the rosta of events was almost entirely ecclesiastical in nature – “this needs to be a home to everyone.” The upshot is that Liverpool has found itself a clergyman with a plan - to put St Nicks back on the map. “There is no shortage of events , he enthuses, “from the River
at the heart of many of them.
awarded Beacon Status as model for the rest of the country. It gave me a great insight into how the city centre works and how each business plays a key role in it – and the amazing work that can be done when everyone comes together.
the City Carol on Wednesday, 10 December at noon – which is open to everyone - and the more traditional Church Carol Service on Sunday, 21 December.
Already during my time at the BID I have been involved in a whole range of things we do – from our ThIS Summer event, Christmas campaign, street lights, networking events, ThIS Liverpool App to Cavern Quarter forum and the Night Time Economy work we do.
But Fr. Crispin is already looking to 2015 and as much as he’s focused on the tourists, he’s not taking his eye off the locals.
The part of my job I enjoy most is meeting the many businesses that make up the Commercial District and hearing the different stories and ambitions each has. I’m still amazed just how many people take pride in the role that they play in our city. If I could say one thing to anyone in the BID… I would say, get in touch, the BID does so much in the District and there will be plenty of ways you can get involved! To make the most of being a BID member – contact me on 0151 233 4733 or andi.herring@liverpoolbidcompany.com
Of course Christmas is about to take centre stage, with carol services almost every evening from Merseyside Police Carol Service through to retired bank employees to
17
LET’S MEET
Its history spans eight centuries and it has been both a defender of the Mersey and a victim of the Blitz. But in recent times Liverpool Parish Church – or St Nicks as we lovingly know it – has taken more of a back seat in the city’s daily life. Until now, that is…
Did You Know? The Church of Our Lady and Saint Nicholas has been the Anglican parish church of Liverpool since 1916. The site is said to have been a place of worship since at least 1257. The Chapel of St Nicholas (Patron Saint of Sailors) was built on the site of St Mary determined to be too small for the growing borough of Liverpool. And with that, Fr. Crispin is up and off to his next appointment. You get the impression it will be a long time before he slows down.
Until 1767, when Georges Dock was built where the Liver Building now stands, the River Mersey reached the church garden walls at high tide. From 1758 to 1772, a battery of guns stood on an area of the burial ground (now
covered by road) to defend the river. In 1891 it was transformed into a public garden in memory of James Harrison, whose shipping company churchyard until the early 21st century. Following a German air raid on 21 December 1940, the main body of the church was The rebuilt church, dedicated to ‘Our Lady and St Nicholas’, was consecrated on 18 October 1952. Grade II Listed it was once the tallest building in Liverpool at when surpassed by the Welsh Presbyterian Church in Toxteth.
18
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GUIDE TO CHRISTMAS
SpEcIaL EvEnTs
PaNtOs
ThUrSdAyS AlIvE AfTeR FiVe
For further information go to www.thisliverpool.com/christmas