Liverpool Models - City Centre

This model is now on display in Central Library. Below is the text that accompanies the display:

"Originally constructed between 1961 and 1994, The Liverpool City Centre Model was a unique and valuable tool for the city's planning development. During this time, a dedicated model-making team - led by Ron Palmer and based at Wilberforce house - created an astoundingly detailed 1:500 scale model of the city centre.

In 2003, after a lengthy period of storage, Liverpool Vision and Liverpool City Council commissioned local model makers Studioscope (formerly Static Models & Design) to begin the lengthy process of updating and refurbishing the models.

Modern model-making techniques differ from those used in the 1960's, with resins replacing wood and computer controlled cutting direct from Ordnance Survey data replacing hand-drawn mapping. However, the end result remains the same - superbly crafted hand-made miniature versions of all the buildings forming our world famous city.

The model is now, once again, an important asset for Liverpool and is helping to guide its regeneration. The refurbished model provides the opportunity for developers and architects to add their plans in a unique 3D environment. Proposed new buildings are inserted into the model to test their impact on the ever-changing city centre and their relationship to the existing streetscape.

Throughout 2006, the model was displayed at the Liverpool Daily Post & Echo headquarters on Old Hall Street - the first time it had been on public display for 10 years. It allowed local people the chance to see the dramatic and positive changes that have taken place in the city centre since it was last on public display in 1996.

New schemes are being added all the time as modern office, retail, leisure and residential developments transform the city centre. The blocks coloured yellow represent some of the major new buildings and schemes that either have planning consent, are still under construction or recently completed.

Now the model has found a permanent home. Liverpool City Libraries has agreed to display the model so that it can be enjoyed by residents, businesses and organisations passionate about the regeneration of Liverpool city centre."