£5m revamp set for Anfield community

A £5 million scheme to revamp a key part of the Anfield community, creating a greener and safer experience for residents and visitors, is to be discussed next week.

A report to Liverpool City Council's Cabinet next:- Tuesday, 8 October 2024, is recommending the main road (Walton Breck Road and connecting streets; including:- those leading to Liverpool FC's Stadium, be upgraded.

The Council has also set out a meanwhile use plan for Anfield Square; which sits in the shadow of the Stadium; that maximises both employment and community benefits, with discussions currently taking place with Liverpool FC and other prospective local operators to help shape the long-term future of the brownfield site.

The report also highlights plans for a number of key priority sites, across Anfield, including:- Hodder Street and former 4 Oaks school site, the southern side of Walton Breck Road and Oakfield Road, and Kemp Avenue which have been identified for potential residential and retail development.

These schemes represent the latest phase in a £300m investment programme in the Anfield area, which 1st began in 2014.

Over the past decade this has led to the creation of more than 600 new and 500 refurbished homes, a revitalised Stanley Park, environmental street works and upgrades to the Stadium itself as well as the recent and hugely successful Stanley Park market.

For the new high street scheme, which was subject to public consultation earlier in the year, the Council is working in partnership with AECOM whose brief has been to design a visually more appealing and healthier public street scene with a priority to improve pedestrian movement and safety.

The Cabinet report is recommending that AECOM enter a detailed design phase for the programme of works, with a view that the highway elements begin in 2025.

The focus will be on highway and public realm upgrades along Walton Breck Road, Oakfield Road, Pulford Street, Back Rockfield Road and Gilman Street, such as new improved carriageways and crossings, as well as providing new on-street and resident parking bays with a focus on rationalising car parking, bus stops and taxi ranks.

The aim of the scheme will be to improve walking routes, create wider footpaths, add new landscaping and public realm features, as well as planting new trees and installing additional underground superbins. It will also assist in integrating surrounding regeneration projects.

A key proposal is a suggested reduction in the speed limit on Walton Breck Road from 30mph to 20mph, between the junctions of Blessington Road and Kemp Avenue, to improve safety for pedestrians.

There's an additional proposal to close access to Back Rockfield Road from Pulford Street, including:- a safe area for vehicles to turn around.

Councillor Dan Barrington, Cabinet Member for Transport and Connectivity, said:- "The redevelopment of the Anfield community has been more than a decade in the making and we're now entering a key phase to improving the heart of it. Creating a healthier, greener, safer and more visually appealing high street will have a major impact on the day to-day quality of life of our residents. This will set the foundation for further development to come to the housing and retail offer in the area."

Councillor Nick Small, Liverpool City Council's Cabinet Member for Economy and Growth, said:- "Enhancing the public spaces along Oakfield Road and Walton Breck Road is a vital aspect and a longstanding goal of the Anfield regeneration programme. Importantly, these proposed improvements to the High Street will connect various regeneration projects in the surrounding area. This investment will also provide a boost to the existing businesses and those looking to invest and grow here, and there's more improvements to come once plans for Anfield Square are formalised."

Howzat? Edge Hill University student shines in Cheshire Disability Cricket Team's triumph

A cricket mad Edge Hill University student has played a crucial role in helping the Cheshire Disability Team win a major national competition after finishing the season unbeaten.

Finley Ellis's outstanding performances were instrumental in the county side triumphing in the National D40 Pursuit competition and securing promotion in style. And the 20 year old from West Kirby, who is studying BSc (Hons) in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, is now gearing up to face elite cricketers from across the country in the top division.

Finley; who has benefited from an Edge Hill University scholarship; showcased his skills by taking 4 wickets for 12 runs in the semi-final and making key contributions in the final.

Edge Hill offers Sports Scholarships of up to £1,000 to help talented students with training and competition expenses, with free access to the University gym and other sports facilities.

Mum Liz revealed Finley's journey into cricket began long before he could walk.

After being diagnosed with autism, ADHD, developmental coordination disorder, social communication disorder, and dyslexia, he developed an early fascination with sport. She said:- "Finley's obsession with anything to do with balls started before he could even walk. At just 3 years old, he was hitting a swing ball with a baseball bat, and by five, he was playing club tennis. He joined a cricket club at seven, and from then on, cricket became his true passion."

After starting at Irby Cricket Club, Finley transferred to Caldy Cricket Club, where he met Chris Edwards, captain of the England Disability Cricket Team and coach of the Cheshire Disability Cricket Team.

In 2018, he joined the Cheshire Disability D40 hardball squad, which provides players with physical and learning disabilities the opportunity to compete at a high level.

The D40 format is designed for cricketers who are disabled, ensuring that they can play competitively while benefiting from the support and guidance of experienced coaches and teammates. Liz added:- "We've watched Finley grow so much through his cricket. It's been a joy to see his confidence blossom, and we are incredibly proud of him. The recognition he's received from Cheshire and Edge Hill has really boosted his self-worth, and he's excited to take on new challenges at this higher level."

Coach Chris Edwards said:- "I've personally seen the difference in Finley's cricket as a result of the Edge Hill scholarship programme. He's worked hard to broaden his skills, and I see him as a key player in the D40 hardball team going forward."

Finley's scholarship from Edge Hill has played a key role in his development, not only in sport but also socially and academically. Liz said:- "Finley is fiercely loyal to both his university and his cricket teams. He's worked incredibly hard, and the recognition and support from his scholarship have made a real difference."

Looking to the future, Finley aims to improve his fielding and compete in the Disability Premier League summer tournaments, with the ultimate goal of playing for the England Disability team. Chris added:- "The team will now play against top international cricketers weekly, which will challenge and push everyone's abilities further. Finley's drive and ambition are clear."

Find out more about scholarships at Edge Hill University online today.