I've been meandering around the city, trying to see it "through the eyes of strangers", and wondering what foreign visitors make of the place that used to proclaim itself: The Second City of the British Empire.
Overall, I think the impression is good. Capital of Culture helped put us back on the map and the bad old days of rubbish-strewn streets are largely a thing of the past. Most of the old bomb sites have at been built-on, or have been or are in use as car parks, and the place is a place people want to be.
Thanks to effects of Liverpool One the shops have never looked better, and I think even London Road has not suffered the ill-effects that were feared, from the "centre of gravity" of the city moving towards Paradise Street.
There are some areas that need attention. Lime Street is one of them with its empty shops and cinemas. When it comes, maybe the redevelopment of Lewis's will kick-start that.
The new concourse to the station is generally good, though I notice that the level of finish is not what it could be in places (cracks appearing in some of the mortar joints on the stonework).
It certainly is a nice place to sit and look at the city and St George's Hall in particular. Pity about the monstrosity eyesore of the advertising screen outside St John's Shopping Centre. That needs to be consigned to the dustbin of history as a matter of urgency.
Now we have got the new new station concourse, I'd like to see it being put to good use, and brought to life. Perhaps a couple of designated pitches for buskers could be set-up? Even better - come back Professor Codman (of his successor) with your Punch and Judy!
On my meanderings, I also stopped for a while in Derby Square, which has also had a make-over with new paving and benches, trees etc. The Victoria Monument also had some repair work to the masonry, though I think it could do with a major repair job to restore it to its proper glory.
One thing that does perplex me is the selection of trees that have been planted in Derby Square. It already has some fine London Plane trees (some are rather overgrown and would benefit from judicious pruning).
But I was amazed to find that the new plantings appeared to be the Scots Pine (see picture).
I worried that this would be a fast-growing tree and couldreach heights of around 115ft - far too big for the setting in Derby Square.
"Why not just plant some more London Plane trees?" I thought.
And that would have been that... but thanks to the very astute chaps at the Liverpool City Council Press Office, put me right.
Apparently what looks like Scots Pine are in fact European black pines.
A spokesman for the Liverpool Highways Department said: "The trees in Derby Square are not Scots Pine.
"They are European black pine (pinus nigra). In this urban setting the trees may reach 20m in height (65ft).
"These pines were selected as they are hardy to strong winds. The narrow crowns also allow us to preserve views from Derby Square up Castle Street towards the Town Hall.
"Another advantage of the pines is that they will not drop leaves on to the benches which are clustered below the trees.
"There were London planes in Derby Square before the recent refurbishment works.
"The existing trees to the east of Derby Square were showing poor growth (some had failed) we suspect due to the strong winds that blow up James Street and circulate within the square.
"We retained the three largest London Planes which were located to the west of the Square - these may have been sheltered by Graeme House."
So, I stand corrected!
Closure of the CUC in Liverpool - sad day
(Tue 03/01)
Banksy the religious bigot
(Thu 29/12)
The Big Yin is on his way... I can't wait
(Thu 10/11)
A tale of two museums
(Tue 30/08)
Rosie Cooper - we need more politicians like her
(Mon 06/06)
