City’s Beatle heritage industry attracts people from across the world, is worth an estimated £90m to the local economy and supports 2,335 jobs and it is believed there is potential for growth. Tony McDonough reports
A masterplan to transform Liverpool’s ‘Beatles Quarter’ around Mathew Street is to be drawn up by the city council to enhance its appeal to tourists from across the world.
The city’s Beatle heritage industry is worth an estimated £90m to the local economy and supports 2,335 jobs and it is believed there is potential to grow this further.
A report to the Council Cabinet on Friday, April 20, is recommending the city creates a Spatial Regeneration Framework (SRF) for the area around Mathew Street, home of the world famous Cavern Club, that will enable to council to control future use of buildings and attract new investment.
The Cavern Quarter SRF, which will be tendered following cabinet approval, will be accompanied by a new vision which will aim to enhance the quality of attractions.
The masterplan, which is expected to go out to public consultation in the autumn and would include giving the city council Compulsory Purchase powers, will be guided by the findings of a scrutiny panel established in 2016 which carried out an independent review of the area.
It recommended a better utilisation of the buildings in the area, an enhanced Beatles tourism offer, a public art strategy, creating a “more vibrant and inviting environment” and better use of public space.
A recent economic impact report found that the city’s Beatles related industry has been growing at 5-15% a year following the city’s year as European Capital of Culture in 2008 with Cavern City Tours and the Cavern Club now attracting 800,000 visitors per annum and 80% of the Hard Day’s Night Hotel guests classed as international.
And that comes amid the publication of recent reports which shows a significant rise in hotel bookings in the city over the past few years.
Joe Anderson, Mayor of Liverpool, who has also created a Beatles Legacy group, said: “The Beatles are known the world over and not just by those who grew up with them, new audiences are discovering their music all the time and wanting to learn about the bands roots.
“The fact is we have a good Beatles tourism offer but it’s not at the level it could and should be – one that has a world class wow factor that reflects the band’s timeless genius and global impact.