The Liberal Democrat leader in Liverpool has proposed a cable car system to connect Everton Park with the city centre, describing it as a 'big idea' that could drive regeneration in the area.
Cllr Carl Cashman said Liverpool needs big ideas and should not be afraid to embrace proposals that challenge and excite people, arguing the current council administration has been too cautious. He said: "Everton Park has the best view of the city, and I think we can do more here."
Addressing transport and regeneration
Standing at the highest point of Everton Park offers a sweeping panorama of Liverpool's skyline, but the park is not easy to reach due to the area's well-documented transport issues. Cllr Cashman believes the cable car could be a catalyst for regeneration, similar to the Shakespeare North Playhouse in Prescot.
He added: "Some people might push back on the cable car idea, and say it's pie in the sky, quite literally in some ways, but for me it's more of a conversation around regeneration of this area, and talking about big ideas."
Political responses
Liverpool City Council's Cabinet Member for Growth and Economy, Cllr Nick Small, responded: "Liverpool Labour is delivering the biggest and most ambitious plans to regenerate North Liverpool in a generation." He criticised the Lib Dems' "unfunded plans" for a cable car, comparing them to the Simpsons episode with the monorail.
Lib Dem activist and lifelong Everton resident Kevin Robinson-Hale said the idea is not outlandish, citing the £2m 'Sky Pier' plan proposed by the council in 2014. He noted the park's poor transport links, with only one bus route down Netherfield Road North into town.
Community perspectives
Everton ward representative Cllr Jane Corbett said the community has had big ideas before, including a cable car about 20 years ago. She highlighted the real issue as getting up and down the hill between Vauxhall and Everton, and said work is already underway on an exciting plan for that.
