Archive photographs from the ECHO and Mirrorpix collections offer a glimpse of Liverpool city centre in the 1970s, a decade of huge change. The images, taken between 1970 and 1979, capture everyday scenes across the city centre, from major buildings and businesses to shoppers, workers and passers-by.
A decade of transformation
The 1970s saw the completion of the Kingsway tunnel in 1970 after three years of work, while St John's Precinct and its modern market facilities were taking shape around the same time. The precinct officially opened in April 1971, with Queen Elizabeth II carrying out the opening ceremony.
It replaced the original St John's Market, which dated back to 1822 and had been demolished in 1964, with traders operating from a temporary site on Great Charlotte Street in the meantime. Elsewhere, Church Street was pedestrianised, transforming one of the city's busiest shopping areas, while the Holiday Inn opened on Paradise Street.
Shops, streets and everyday life
Familiar names and businesses could be found across the city, including Cousins Confectioners, a well-known fixture for generations of Liverpudlians. The photographs show scenes such as the first car entering the Wallasey Tunnel, taken by ECHO photographer Stephen Shakeshaft to illustrate progress on the tunnel since work started in 1967.
Other images capture the F W Woolworth department store on Church Street, shoppers at St John's Market, and the Christmas tree being lit up in Clayton Square for the first time on December 17 1970. The gallery also includes a view of Liverpool showing St George's Hall with the Radio City Tower in the background.
Celebrations and city landmarks
The collection features celebrations in the city centre as fans gathered to welcome home Liverpool FC after their victory over Borussia Monchengladbach in the UEFA Cup Final on May 25 1973. Despite losing the second leg match 2-0 in Munich, Liverpool won their first European trophy thanks to a 3-0 home victory in the first leg at Anfield.
Other photographs show work progressing on the Queen Elizabeth II Law Courts being constructed on Derby Square in October 1979, and buildings at Pier Head Waterfront including the under-construction Royal Insurance Building and the newly completed Atlantic Tower Hotel. The pictures also capture punks outside Eric's night club on Mathew Street on October 31 1979, and a taxi demo in the Lord Street and Church Street area on July 3 1978.
