The green light is set to be given to an ambitious, 20-year plan to drive forward the economic regeneration of South Liverpool.

The city's council's cabinet will be asked to officially endorse the South Liverpool International Gateway Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) today Friday 26 August.

The plans aim to capitalise on the unique offer of the south of the city, increase job opportunities, attract investment and improve life for residents.

They also look at how the strengths of the area, including Liverpool John Lennon Airport, Port of Garston, Speke Automotive Freight Terminal and the pharmaceutical and biomedical industries can be built upon to help maximise the economic growth of the area.

The strategy aims to identify new development opportunities for the area in housing, leisure, office, nature, manufacturing, export and local enterprise.

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And it will look at increasing employment opportunities, getting people into training and making the area a great place to visit, as well as live and work.

The strategy has been put together by a consultancy consortium led by Building Design Partnership (BDP) - and comprising Liverpool City Council, Liverpool Vision, North West Development Agency (NWDA) and Homes and Communities Agency (HCA). It focuses on the Speke Boulevard area, extending from the Mersey Wave to Garston Docks and includes the communities of Speke, Garston, Garston under Bridge and Hunts Cross.

The plans will form the blueprint for regeneration in these areas over the next 20 years.

Councillor Malcolm Kennedy, the city council's Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, said: "This is a really important piece of work which will help define South Liverpool's offer and provide the roadmap for the continued regeneration of the area.

"South Liverpool has undergone significant growth over the past 15 years, with a number of major schemes transforming the area, largely as a result of successful public private partnerships. This should be celebrated, but it's vital we build on this to ensure the area continues to grow for the next 20 years.

"By bringing partners together with a shared vision, this strategy will significantly strengthen our ability to drive forward major projects, maximise the area’s strengths and attract vital investment."

The strategy has been subject to extensive consultation with land owners, businesses and residents in the area to help inform how the Gateway should develop over the next 20 years.

(CD)