Liverpool’s LGBT quarter is set for a dramatic renovation as part of the biggest investment in the area for 10 years.

Eberle Street will be transformed by a unique paving and lighting scheme that will honour the mythical Emerald City, Yellow Brick Road and Judy Garland.

Funded jointly by Liverpool BID Company and Liverpool City Council, works will get under way in early 2016 and will be completed in April.

The aim of the inventive facelift is to celebrate the city’s LGBT tradition and community with designs also inspired by the rich cultural history of bars in the area such as Garlands and Gbar.

The Eberle Street project is part of a wide £1.4 million programme to improve the public realm between the commercial district and the retail core of the city centre. It is hoped the redevelopment will also turn the area into a major tourist attraction.

Councillor Malcolm Kennedy, cabinet member for regeneration and transport, says: “These works will give a unique look to Eberle Street in keeping with it being at the heart of the LGBT quarter.

“This is part of the city centre which is thriving and attracts many visitors and its transformation will make it an even greater attraction. Local businesses have been closely involved in the design process and are helping make this a very exciting scheme.”

Jim Gill, chairman of the Commercial District BID, adds: “Eberle Street is a hub of Liverpool’s night time economy and LGBT community so its redesign required an imaginative approach that had the verve and style to celebrate its unique position and elevate it to a prominence it richly deserves.

“Once complete it will also greatly enhance the experience of this part of the Commercial District and promote the north-south walking routes between the district and the rest of the city centre.”

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