Liverpool's famous Beatles street back in the spotlight

In the 50th anniversary year of the Beatles' first gig on Mathew Street, the famous Liverpool walkway is set to shine once again.

A 40 metre long ceiling of light dubbed ‘Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds’ will be hung over the historic site as part of an initiative designed to breath new life into one of the city's most popular tourist destinations.

As well as the impressive illuminated canopy, new spotlights shine on the John Lennon statue and Arthur Dooley’s Four Lads Who Shook The World sculpture.

The work, funded by Liverpool Vision and City Central Business Improvement District, will be completed by a deep clean of the street's paved walkway and World Capital of Pop Wall of Fame getting a new lick of paint.

It is claimed the project will make have a positive impact on the area's night time economy as well as sprucing up Mathew for the thousands of fans who visit every year.

The works were recommended as part of a study entitled Designing out Crime, commissioned by Liverpool City Council’s City Centre Management Team, which found additional lighting would make Mathew Street more attractive and safer.

Jenny Douglas, Head of City Centre and Urban Design at Liverpool Vision and a board member of City Central, said: "We want local people and visitors to be able to enjoy our rich music heritage in an attractive and safe environment.

"Lighting is internationally recognised as important in making towns and cities better places and Liverpool has an excellent reputation internationally based on work done in recent times to make the city attractive at night.

"The installation of the ceiling of light on Mathew Street is the first stage in making the Cavern Quarter look attractive to visitors and potential investors, as well as having a positive impact on its night-time economy."

Councillor Malcolm Kennedy, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: "This will make Mathew Street, one of the city’s most famous venues more attractive.

"As well as being an important part of the city for local people and businesses it is one of the must-see streets for tourists who will welcome this new-look."

The improvements to The Cavern Quarter, which is also home to boutique fashion centre – Cavern Walks, have also been welcomed by local businesses.

Dave Jones, Director at Cavern City Tours Ltd, has been organising ongoing projects to celebrate the anniversary of The Beatles' Cavern début.

He said the improvements were extremely well timed: "This is a big year for Beatles fans and The Cavern so these improvements are very welcome.

"To have a Lucy in the Sky ceiling of light and spotlights on the statues will go down very well with the tens of thousands who make their pilgrimage here."

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