 THE futuristic City Exchange is a modern, glass-fronted building, which has transformed the entrance to Royal & SunAlliance and the Liverpool Daily Post & Echo. The street on which it stands, Old Hall Street, is at the heart of the commercial district and defines the traditional office centre of Liverpool. Formerly the Corner Project, the City Exchange is a vital part of the regeneration of the commercial district and is seen as an important aspect of Liverpool's overall regeneration strategy - part of which is to redefine and reposition the role of the area. For the City of Liverpool to become a success it needs to establish a number of criteria. It needs to create a vision; have confidence in its own identity; become accessible regionally, nationally and internationally; to access markets and business networks; to create a strong economic base and to generate a cultural identity, which improves the quality of life for those living and working within its boundaries.
 A major aim is to ensure Liverpool's commercial district is the first-choice location for businesses seeking to invest. Putting Liverpool on a higher footing for organisations considering a move to the North West, the City Exchange is a vital cog in the regeneration wheel for the city of Liverpool. The area in and around Old Hall Street houses a number of Liverpool's major corporate companies including British Telecom, Littlewoods, Barclaycard, AXA Direct and the Inland Revenue. Although the commercial district successfully houses these key organisations, the area itself is in need of a face-lift. Royal & SunAlliance and Liverpool Daily Post & Echo in conjunction with Liverpool City Council and its partners are actively working to improve the area, with City Exchange leading the way. Currently there are a number of buildings within the commercial district, which do not meet modern office occupier requirements. It is perceived as an area of poor security and current vacancies and dereliction present a poor image. This perception needs to be addressed. Merseyside has not benefited from inward investment in the past but by re-vamping the commercial district with projects such as the City Exchange, organisations outside Merseyside will be encouraged to invest, creating a thriving business environment and ultimately increased employment. Liverpool Vision and its partners Liverpool City Council, North West Development Agency (NWDA) and English Partnerships together with private investors, have created a strategic framework, which will include improving the commercial district proving that Liverpool means business. | 
