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From the towering south stand of Everton’s new riverside football stadium, Liverpool city region mayor Steve Rotheram showcased his next significant project to communities secretary Steve Reed. The site, characterized by industrial wasteland, disused docks, and the distinctive Grade II-listed “dockers’ clock” with six faces, is set for a major transformation. This clock, which has not worked for years, symbolizes a part of the Mersey dockland where time has seemingly stood still amid the nearby rapid regeneration.
On Thursday morning, Rotheram and Reed announced the launch of a “once-in-a-generation” development on the 174-hectare site adjacent to the £800m Hill Dickinson stadium. The government-backed initiative aims to deliver 17,000 new homes and commercial spaces over the next 15 years. This announcement marks another success for Rotheram, whose strategy of working quietly and effectively with Westminster officials is beginning to yield results.
In recent months, the Labour mayor has secured government support for an overnight accommodation levy and reform of Treasury regional spending, both causes he has championed for years. Liverpool has also benefited culturally and infrastructurally: high-profile concerts by Bruce Springsteen, Taylor Swift, and the Rolling Stones have brought renewed energy to the city following the 2023 Eurovision song contest. More impactful for residents are upcoming transport upgrades, including the Mersey ferry’s first new vessel in 60 years, expected in 2026, and government consideration of a new high-speed rail connection to Manchester, alongside a £2.5bn investment to revamp Liverpool Central station.
Rotheram, who entered political life after working as a bricklayer and became Liverpool’s first city region mayor in 2017, is earning the nickname “the Treasury whisperer” for his skillful negotiations with government departments. According to Liam Thorp, political editor of the Liverpool Echo, the mayor has gained confidence throughout his time in office and is now beginning to deliver the tangible progress he envisioned. Unlike his close friend and Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, who is sometimes seen as politically ambitious, Rotheram is focused on his region without pursuing national leadership. A senior government official praised Rotheram’s approach of quietly maintaining positive relationships across Whitehall
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