THE multi-million pound transformation of Liverpool's Williamson Square was completed last night with the public unveiling of a spectacular fountain and light display.
Mersey poet Roger McGough - who provided the verse which surrounds the feature - was on hand to witness the switching-on of the 20 jets of water that make up the fountain.
There was also a performance by dancers from Cirque Bijou and a recital of Mr McGough's poem by 10 children from St Edward's College in West Derby.
The £5.75m transformation of the square also includes new granite paving, the planting of 11 semi-mature trees and new seating, and is the first project to be completed under the £73m City Centre Movement Strategy (CCMS), designed to improve Liverpool's streets and public places.
The fountain outside Liverpool Playhouse forms the centrepiece of the square, and is made up of a double arch of water that rises out of the pavement at variable heights of up to 12ft. It will be in operation every day until around 10pm, when the water will be turned off to be replaced by a misting effect.
At night, the fountain will be a blaze of changing colours.
The poem is inlaid in stainless steel into the granite paving surrounding the fountain, and has been written to be read from any point.
Mr McGough said after the unveiling last night: "I'm sure the people of Liverpool will come up with a name for the new fountain.
"I've lived in the city for two-thirds of my life and it was a great honour to be asked to put my name to something like this.
"I used to come drinking in this area when I was in my 20s, and I think the fountain gives it a breath of fresh air. It gives the Playhouse a vista as it had been hemmed in before.
"I wanted to make the poem like a children's chant to make it fun, accessible and memorable."
