Fringed at each end by two of the most iconic buildings in Liverpool, Hope Street has been shortlisted as one of the top urban areas in England.
Nominated as one of only three streets in the country for the Great Street Award at the Urbanism Awards 2013, which is aimed at recognising the best examples of urban places in Europe, Hope Street is aiming for national recognition.
Situated in The Georgian Quarter, the area hosts a variety of cultural institutions, including the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, the Unity Theatre and, once completed, the new Everyman Theatre.
Hope Street is naturally pedestrian-friendly and encourages the public to enjoy the artworks that frame the street as well as use of the community space.
A spokesman for the Academy of Urbanism told JMU Journalism why these awards are important: “The practice of good urbanism can establish a high quality of living, nurture a healthy and creative way of life, support economic, social, political and cultural activity and deliver robust, distinctive and attractive physical environments.
“The Urbanism Awards are the Academy’s primary and most public platform for recognising the best, most enduring or most improved urban environments.”
Matthew Biagetti, Area Priorities Manager for Liverpool Vision, told JMU Journalism how improvements to the environment of Hope Street, in particular the road and public areas, helped it to receive this nomination.
He said: “If you improve the quality of the public realm you will encourage businesses and developments of that area.”
Hope Street is one of the city centre quotas that Liverpool Vision, which is run by the city council, has supported the redevelopment of by attracting investment and development from private institutes.
The other streets up for nomination are Exhibition Road in London and Chapel Street in Penzance, Cornwall. All three streets will be judged on the local character and distinctiveness of the area, how user-friendly they are and the commercial success and viability of the street.
The winners for all the categories in the Urbanism Awards 2013 will be announced on the 9th November in London.