Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson put the £5m zip wire project into doubt when he blocked plans to use Central Library as a landing point. But the company insists it will go ahead. Tony McDonough reports
Zip World founder Sean Taylor says he is determined to find an alternative landing point for his Liverpool zip wire after Mayor Joe Anderson blocked the use of the city’s Central Library.
Earlier in the summer, Zip World secured planning permission from Liverpool City Council for the 400 metre-long, 450 ft-high zip wire from the top of St Johns Beacon to the library and. When open in 2021 the attraction will create 30 new jobs.
The company has so far spent more than £400,000 on the £5m project but its plans were thrown into disarray this week when Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson withdrew the offer to allow the library to be used as a landing point. His decision followed significant opposition from councillors and residents.
Objectors claim it is not appropriate for the wire to carry thrill-seekers above St John’s Gardens at the back of St George’s Hall. And the Victorian Society had applied to the High Court for leave for a judicial review into Liverpool City Council’s decision to grant planning permission.
However Mr Taylor, whose company also runs a successful zip wire in North Wales, says he remains committed to launching a zip wire in Liverpool and says it will be working closely with the council to identify possible new routes.
“Liverpool is the capital of North Wales so it makes sense for us, as a company that is based in North Wales, to develop our next major attraction in the city,” he said. “Nothing has changed about our commitment to Liverpool and we are looking forward to working with the city council to identify potential new sites.
“All of us at Zip World respect the Mayor’s decision and we will work with him before submitting a fresh plan. We have had tremendous support from the business community and despite the background noise on social media, Zip World has a great deal of support from local people.
“We will be revising our plans so that Liverpool will experience the economic benefit, boost to tourism and job creation that an attraction like this will bring. There is a big future for Zip World in Liverpool and we are excited for it.”