A consultation on proposed public realm improvements in the Chinatown area of Liverpool city centre is under way.

Liverpool City Council, with support from local community groups and the University of Liverpool Architecture School, has developed outline plans for Great George’s Square at the junction of Upper Pitt Street and Nelson Street.

The aim is to attract more visitors and investment, and create a neighbourhood to be proud of.

The centrepiece of the project will be the installation of two stone lions, which have been donated by the Chinese Consulate General in Manchester and were formally handed over to Liverpool in January to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Liverpool-Shanghai sister cities relationship.

The scheme will also see:

• Better pedestrian access between Upper Pitt Street/Nelson Street and Great George’s Square
• Installation of a red maple ‘wishing tree’ and ‘flower mat’ near the lions
• Improvements to the children’s playground
• The creation of a commemorative memorial garden

People are being asked their views on the proposed changes to the junction, the playground improvements and the Commemorative Memorial Garden.

It is hoped the work will be completed in early 2026.

Comments on the consultation can be made at https://liverpool.gov.uk/chinatowndevelopment until 31 March.

Local people will also be able to find out more and comment at the City Centre South Neighbourhood community information event being held at the Black-e on Great George Street on Tuesday 4 March between 10.30am – 3pm.

The scheme will complement wider plans for a revitalised Chinatown which includes new homes and businesses on a previously stalled site at Great George Street. The Council recently succeeded in securing the site under its own unified ownership, with support from Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and the Government.

Chinatown is also close to the thriving Baltic Triangle, where the new Liverpool Baltic Merseyrail station is due to open in 2027.

Cabinet Member for Economy and Growth, Cllr Nick Small, said: “We are hugely proud of the city’s Chinatown, which is the oldest in Europe, and has huge potential.

“We want to revitalise it so it is somewhere that the local community and Liverpool residents are equally proud of, as well as being somewhere tourists can spend time.

“We’re asking local people and businesses to have their say on the ideas that have been developed and input into the design process, so that we can create something that is really special.

“When combined with our ambitions for the previously stalled site at Great George Street and the work on the new Baltic Station, this is a really exciting time for this part of the city centre.”

Chinese Consul General in Manchester, Tang Rui, said: “The stone lions in Chinese culture are actually a symbol of prosperity, so we hope that these pair of lions will bring good luck and showcases a new start for this beautiful, historic Chinatown.”

Secretary General of Merseyside Chinese Association Joint Action Group, Ming Wang, said: “Chinatown has been home to the local community for more than 200 years. It holds a very special place in our local community’s heart.

“With these two huge stone lions gifted by the Chinese Consul General in Manchester plus the City Council’s planning in regenerating Chinatown which includes a wishing tree, better playground and the creation of a commemorative memorial garden is so amazing.

“We look forward to witnessing the transformation of our beloved Chinatown, more footfall to Chinatown, followed by better business, more investment and more visitors from around the world.”