Something stinks at Liverpool One

by Chris Johnson. Published Mon 18 May 2009 19:35

Liverpool One is about to celebrate its first birthday... 29th May 2009 is the anniversary of the day that Princes Ann opened the initial phase of the project.

I'm a bit of a convert to Liverpool One. It is a roaring success - despite the over-priced car parks.

As modern shopping centres go it's got a lot of going for it. The idea of keeping a section of Chavasse Park in the centre was a stroke of genius by the City Council. Hats off to them!

The design is generally excellent and it's proving a great success as a shopping and leisure destination. It is also a vibrant connection between the city's shops and the Albert Dock and Pier Head areas.

It was clearly the "missing link" that I for one did not realise the city lacked! Roll on the summer and we should see it at its best.

The level of finish on the building is generally high, although I noted on my most recent visit that there are some areas where the surface of the fixed gravel footpaths are starting to degrade - an issue that the builders will no doubt be called upon to repair.

So, I am really sold on the place - despite the over-priced car parks (have I mentioned that before?)

Imagine then my horror when I brought two guests, who live over Manchester way, down to show-off the jewel in Liverpool's crown - only to find that one of the posh glass lifts bears all the hallmarks of having been used as a toilet!

The fact that it had been used for that purpose by some low-life was clear. There were stains on parts of the glass and concrete in the hard-to-reach areas.

Also there was that unmistakable odour that we use to confront daily in the old-style enclosed red phone boxes in the city centre, or in the communal lifts in the 60s tower blocks.

To be honest my "guests" were not too put-out. They are friends I've known since my school-days and men of the world and who are far from easily shocked.

But I could not help being embarrassed for my home city and it prompted a discussion about what an horrendous impression this phenomenon would give to foreign tourists or visitors from more gentile areas of the UK.

The lift in question is the one that goes from the top level - where the bars and restaurants are located - down to the car parks.

Can it be that there are insufficient public toilets at Liverpool One? Maybe so, but that is NO excuse.

What can be done to end the vile behaviour?

I figure the management will have to put spotlights at the lift entrances and intense lighting inside the lifts, along with CCTV cameras.

These days technology of this kind seems to be the only practical solution.

Happy Birthday Liverpool One.... you deserve more respect from some of your customers!