Initial intervention has included streetscape enhancements such as new lighting and paving, tree planting, improved signage and traffic management.
The introduction of simple changes within the buildings themselves such as the requirement for glazed ground floor facades and the incorporation of active ground floor areas, for example cafes and exhibition spaces, will enhance the area and contribute to its development.
Guidelines to help architects and developers towards solutions that contribute to the overall image of the area are being drawn up ensuring that, going forward, buildings within the commercial district follow a high quality criteria and maintain an aesthetic appeal.
So far the plans have received positive feedback with the image of the area steadily improving.
With residential developments appearing within the heart of the city, Liverpool is fast becoming an ideal location for businesses.
At present, post-graduates of local universities usually go elsewhere for employment, or local people move away in search of their ideal job; but by improving the commercial district and encouraging businesses to invest, it will put a stop to the brain drain and ensure knowledge and expertise remains on Merseyside.
It is hoped in the future the city will become a centre of excellence for Information Communication Technology and financial services.
Increasing the popularity of the commercial sector is vital and if major employers such as Royal & SunAlliance and the Liverpool Daily Post & Echo are seen to be backing the initiative, then businesses in and around the area will follow suit.
Richard Hughes, senior development executive for NWDA said: "By improving the infrastructure to include road and rail networks and by creating an attractive layout with easy access, the commercial sector will create a hive of business activity, which will in turn create job opportunities and stimulate global investment."
The City Exchange has proved to be the turning point for Liverpool's commercial district, creating a positive first step on the road to improving its image.
