Green Light for Edge Lane West
The announcement by the Department of Transport that funding is being made available to upgrade Edge Lane West has been welcomed as a key move in the regeneration of the area.
The Department is to provide £19.3m over the next three years. Total cost of the scheme is £20.4m with other funding being sought from the European Regional Development Fund.
The work is the final phase of highway improvements to Edge Lane and involves creating a dual carriageway between Botanic Road and Hall lane, to bring it in line with the rest of Edge Lane, and to tie in with the work on the Hall Lane by-pass.
A new link road between Edge Lane and Jubilee Drive will also be built to provide safer access to Kensington School and improve access for local businesses.
Significant benefits are expected to arise from the project including
• Reduced traffic congestion and the introduction of safer pedestrian crossings
• Improving the connection between residents and retail/employment sites on each side of the road, improving shopping and employment opportunities.
• Reduced atmospheric pollution and noise. This will be further improved by traffic management and better public transport operations along the corridor.
• A reduction of about 30 road accidents over the life of the project
• Improved landscaping of the corridor with a significant number of new trees planted
• Benefits to Edge Lane Conservation Area.
• Improved security and reduced fear of crime for businesses and residents living along the corridor.
This work is part of the wider £350m regeneration of the Edge Lane Gateway being spearheaded by Liverpool Vision. In Edge Lane West this includes new homes, including affordable housing ; new and improved retail facilities for the local community, together with an improved setting for local businesses and a new health centre.
Rob Monaghan, Head of Gateways at Liverpool Vision said: “This is fantastic news for the city and the local communities of Edge Hill and Kensington. The community and public sector partners have been frustrated by a series of delays but work is now well underway on the demolition of the derelict and vacant properties to clear the way for the construction of the new road and prepare the way for residential and commercial development”.
“The scheme involves the continuation of the urban boulevard theme started at Edge Lane Drive and will include high quality finishes on all materials, new lighting, significant ‘greening up’ of the corridor and safe access to the school and Lifebank facilities”.
“The DfT funding approval is the culmination of huge effort by the public sector partners and the vast majority of the local community.”
Councillor Peter Millea, City Council’s Executive Member for Assets and Development, said: “This is very welcome news. The current road layout is confusing and dangerous with most of Edge Lane being dual carriageway and then narrowing to a single carriageway, causing severe congestion. The pedestrian crossing facilities are also inadequate.
“The work will involve safe crossing points, safe right hand turning lanes and better provision for public transport and it is important to note, because some people have claimed it will be an expressway, the speed limit will remain at 30mph.
“This work is a key part off the overall regeneration of Edge Lane West which has been supported by the majority of the local community.”
Work could start in August if the remaining funding is agreed and will take 18 months to complete.
Note to Editors
The Edge Lane Project is being delivered by Liverpool Vision and partners include HCA, the Northwest Regional Development Agency and Liverpool City Council. Co-ordination is also being undertaken with other partner organisations including Kensington Regeneration, Newheartlands (pathfinder for the Housing Market Renewal Initiative), Community Seven and Bellway Homes.
Contact name: Jonathan Caswell
Contact email: jcaswell@liverpoolvision.co.uk
BACK
The Capital, 39 Old Hall Street, Liverpool L3 9PP Telephone: +44(0)151 600 2900
Email: info@liverpoolvision.co.uk