You can have your say on the future of Williamson Square at an event next month

A community consultation is being held to allow people to share their views on the future of Williamson Square.

With information about the project, a treasure hunt and creative activity for families and young people, the day in Liverpool city centre will allow anyone who wants to have a say on the historic square.

The event will be facilitated by local company PLACED, lead consultant Haworth Tompkins Architects, Liverpool based MGMA Architects and Layer Studio, the event will take place at the Playhouse Theatre on Saturday 1st April from 11am until 6pm.

Throughout the free events, people will be able to talk about the future of Williamson Square, and what they would like to see in place. A Square Treasure Hunt will encourage people to find clues around the Square and share design ideas themselves. Creative workshops for families and young people will encourage ideas to flow and empower people to consider what Williamson Square needs. Free tea and coffee will be on offer for visitors getting involved.

First laid in 1745, Williamson Square is one of Liverpool city centre’s oldest purpose designed civic squares. Once home to two theatres, it is a gateway to the city centre because of its proximity to Queen Square bus station and St Johns Market, as well as the main shopping and leisure thoroughfare, Church Street. In 2008 the fountain was installed in the Square and cultural events attracted footfall and provided animation.

A plan for Cavern Walks and Williamson Square in January 2020 identified a vision for the area, including a need to animate activity at the ground level, improve the offer throughout the Square and give people reasons to visit throughout the day. It was adopted as a Cavern Quarter and Williamson Square Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) in 2022. 

Jo Harrop, PLACED Director, says:

“This event is a great opportunity for local people to get involved in shaping the future of this key space in Liverpool. We know from work we have done previously that Williamson Square is an important place for many, and it is critical that people’s voices are heard when thinking about its future. We’re really looking forward to hearing the ideas of people of all ages from across our city.”

Bill Addy, CEO of Liverpool BID Company, says:

“I’m delighted to see all the partners who are engaged in Williamson Square to be part of this public event to give people a chance to have a say. The future of this historic Civic Square is critical for the city centre and we want to be part of its future that allows it to be animated, a place for people to spend their time from day to night. It takes numerous partners coming together to help make that vision a reality”.