Consultants who compiled the 80-page report identify challenges for Liverpool Vision and highlight areas where more can to be done to make the agency more effective. Jim Gill said: "This is an important piece of work, not just for Liverpool, but for the continued regeneration of Liverpool. It also provides valuable lessons for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister on how the role of Urban Development Companies has evolved over the last five years." The report, drawn up by economic development consultants SQW, says Liverpool Vision is now entering a critical third and probable final phase. During this phase, the agency should focus on reinforcing the position of the city centre in the future of the region, and in securing a more strategic alignment between the partners at Vision. Mr Gill added: "Our approach has been to focus on specific areas, understand what we are trying to achieve and oversee the delivery of projects. We have done this by bringing the relevant expertise, money and power together to get the best results. "Unlike the old style development corporations, we do not have decision-making planning powers or our own money. But, because our core partners are all represented on the board we have significant influence. "Those key partners do not dominate the board, which is made up of 13 members mostly from the private sector. It means we can work by consent and persuasion. If you look at some areas, such as office space in the commercial area, we are three to four years ahead. "We also recognise that there are things we need to do, such as refresh our mission strategy to take account of the changed circumstances. There are lessons for us to learn from the report, but overall we are delighted with the recognition for our many successes." larryneild@dailypost.co.uk What is Liverpool Vision? IT WAS set up in 1999 as one of the first Urban Regeneration Companies in the country, drawing together the public and private sectors. Main partners on Vision are Liverpool City Council, the Northwest Regional Development Agency, English Partnerships. Board members include Tesco chief executive Sir Terry Leahy, Riverside MP Louise Ellman and entrepreneur Matt Johnson. The board is chaired by ex-Wimpey chairman Sir Joe Dwyer. Vision has overseen major projects around the city centre: Kings Waterfront, RopeWalks, improvements in the commercial quarter, the cruise liner facility and public realm improvements across the city centre. It was the body which took the lead on Will Alsop's Fourth Grace Cloud project and ultimately pulled the plug on it. | 
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