We take a close look at the enormous plans that could change the way our famous city centre looks, feels and works over the next 10-15 yearsMajor development plans for LiverpoolWhen it comes to transformative change, Liverpool city centre has seen plenty. The heart of our city has been transported from a post-industrial port into a buzzing and internationally-renowned tourism and cultural hub.Undoubtedly the pivotal moment in this reimagining of the city centre came as Liverpool was named European Capital of Culture in 2008. This huge moment acted as a catalyst for billions of pounds of development, the establishment of new cultural institutions and the creation of new shopping districts – largely as part of the Liverpool One development.But that was all some time ago now – and many feel Liverpool city centre’s next big moment of regeneration is now due. Clearly those running the city and those wanting to invest in it feel similarly – because in recent months a host of huge and potentially city-altering plans have been put forward.We visited each site to explain how the enormous plans and proposals could see to totally redesign the way our city centre, looks, feels and works over the next 10 to 15 years – and produced a special video to outline it all.Here we look closely at the four projects highlighted in our video.Liverpool Central StationHow the new Liverpool Central project could reshape part of the city centre Liverpool Central Station is one of the busiest transport hubs outside of London, with huge numbers of people passing through and into the city centre each day.But the station is looking tired and at times as though it is falling apart, with leaks and large queues as the ageing infrastructure struggles to copy with the volume of people passing through.It has been a long-term ambition of city leaders, not just to redevelop Liverpool Central, but to regenerate the area of the city centre around it – and to better connect it with Liverpool Lime Street and its national train services.Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram has talked of a £5 billion vision to create something akin to the Kings Cross and St Pancras transport hub in London, where the two major stations are connected via an underground tunnel. He says this could be done between Central and Lime Street.This 86-acre project aims to create a world-class transport hub to transform connectivity, drive regeneration, and unlock economic growth in Liverpool City Region and the North West of England.But both the mayor and Liverpool City Council bosses see this as more than just a transport development, but also a chance to totally reimagine a huge chunk of the city centre – with more housing, public spaces and retail units.Last month the city council released some early designs of how its Liverpool Central vision could look. The council is now working with specialist designers Hawkins/Brown to create a Strategic Regeneration Framework to guide these ambitious plans for investment and regeneration around the station – aiming to unlock its full potential as a welcoming and well-connected city centre arrival point.Pall Mall GardensHow the new Pall Mall development could eventually lookIf you think you have read about the Pall Mall development in Liverpool’s Business District for a number of years now, it is because this one has been dragging on for a while now.The ECHO has been reporting on the situation surrounding this city centre site for many years. The council-owned site, which used to include a city centre green space, was controversially fenced off in 2020 as initial plans were announced for new development of three blocks of Grade A office space, a hotel and gardens.Remediation of the site took place before the project stalled and the space has remained vacant and empty ever-since. Last year new funding was secured, giving new hope that phase one of the £60m scheme could be delivered by 2028, creating the first Grade A office space in the city for 15 years.Keir Property Developments Ltd remain the appointed developer on the project, which could create a total of 400,000 sq ft of office space, accompanied by retail and leisure space and 6,000 sq m of landscaped public green space.The project – which many see as absolutely crucial for the development of the city’s business district – received another big boost earlier this year when Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that government cash would be used to help progress the plans.KingsA stunning visual of the upper landscape at Kings, the planned new waterfront development When it comes to the most potentially transformative of the plans that currently exists for the city centre, there isn’t much that could come close to building a big underground tunnel between Lime Street and Liverpool Central, but this one is not far off.If you talk to many movers and shakers in Liverpool’s business or political worlds, most will tell you how excited they are about the Kings Development plans.This is a £1.2 billion plan to create a brand new neighbourhood close to the city’s famous waterfront, on land at Gibraltar Row. The landmark plans would see 10 buildings created in total, including a 70-storey tower, which would be Liverpool’s tallest building.The plans stem from a collaboration between Beetham and the TJ Morris Group, who operate the Home Bargains empire. This means the project has significant financial backing. In total Kings would see a total of 2,750 homes developed as well as 400 hotel rooms, 150,000 sqft of offices and 160,000 sqft for retail and leisure.Central to the bold new vision will be the huge 70-floor tower, which will include a hotel. Permission has already been granted for the first building in the development, a 28-storey building.Speaking to the ECHO last month, Beetham boss Hugh Frost said: “It’s the most fantastic opportunity in the city. It’s a chance to change the skyline for the better, create a really vibrant district, a neighbourhood that links the central business district with the rest of local waters and the waterfront, which is one of the city’s biggest assets.”PumpfieldsAn artist’s impression of how the Pumpfield neighbourhood could lookWhen leaders in Liverpool set out their vision for the city centre over the next couple of decades, they often talk about expanding the footprint of what is currently considered the city centre.That’s certainly the case when it comes to the proposals for an area known as the Pumpfields District.This past week, Liverpool City Council’s cabinet signed off on a huge masterplan for an area to an area that is currently an island site, split by Scotland Road to the east, Leeds Street to the south, Great Howard Street to the west, and the Kingsway Tunnel to the north.The proposed development seeks to unlock and reintegrate the site through the creation of new and improved connections with the surrounding neighbourhoods and wider city. Among the new infrastructure is the potential for approximately 7,283 new homes.A new half a kilometre long green corridor named Kingsway Park would restore natural elements to the area which currently comprises residential buildings, surface car parking and vacant land.Members of the local authority’s cabinet have endorsed a strategy in the form of a supplementary planning document (SPD), embracing the site’s past while creating a sustainable, vibrant, mixed-use new neighbourhood delivering new homes, along with improved infrastructure and community facilities.
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Liverpool 2040: How the city centre could be totally transformed
Bedford woman receives first-of-its-kind order to protect children from exploitation
Interim Slavery and Trafficking Risk Order aims to prevent young people’s involvement in crimeStevenage Magistrates’ CourtAuthor: Callum McIntyrePublished 18 hours agoA woman from Bedford has been served with an interim civil order, marking the first of its kind in Bedfordshire, aimed at safeguarding children from exploitation and preventing coercion into criminal activity.The 33-year-old was issued the Slavery and Trafficking Risk Order (STRO) at Stevenage Magistrates’ Court on 28th May, following intelligence suggesting her involvement in drug supply using young individuals for distribution. The order, secured by Bedfordshire Police’s Child Sexual Exploitation and Missing Investigation Team (CMIT) with support from Northamptonshire Police and Bedfordshire Police Legal Services, includes strict conditions. Under its stipulations, she is forbidden from allowing non-relative individuals under 21 to enter her property and must cease all contact with numerous persons, primarily children. Additionally, she is required to notify Bedfordshire Police at least 24 hours in advance if facilitating travel for anyone beyond immediate family. Furthermore, she must provide written notification within 24 hours of any address she owns, occupies, or controls, including business-related premises. Failure to comply with the order’s conditions could result in a criminal offence, carrying a maximum prison sentence of five years. Detective Inspector James Clatworthy said: “Child criminal exploitation will not be tolerated in Bedfordshire, and we will continue to take action against those involved. “This interim Slavery and Trafficking Risk Order is a vital tool in protecting children from being drawn into criminality. It also allows us to proactively target and restrict individuals who pose a risk to our communities. “For us to keep using powers like this effectively, we need the public’s help. Please report any concerns or suspicions, no matter how small.”Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.
Investigation underway after woman’s body discovered at Congleton address
An investigation is underway following the discovery of a woman’s body.Emergency services were called to Congleton on Friday morning, June 5, after a woman’s body was found at an address on Elmwood Drive.Cheshire Police remain in attendance as of 4pm and say that the death is currently being treated as ‘unexplained’.A spokesperson for the force said: “At 9.41am on June 5 police attended an address on Elmwood Drive in Congleton and discovered the body of a woman.”Enquiries are in their early stages, and the death is currently being treated as unexplained.”An investigation is underway to establish the circumstances.”
Wildlife park you can get to from Cambs named one of the best in England
The wildlife park is so easy to reach from Cambridgeshire and could be a good day out for the summer.The wildlife park was given a gold award for its category (Image: Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park)A wildlife park that you can visit from Cambridgeshire for a day trip has been named one of the best attractions in England. VisitEngland recently revealed the winners of its 2026 Awards for Excellence with Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park being given the gold award for Large Visitor Attraction of the Year.The awards included categories for things such as ‘Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year’, ‘Pub of the Year’, and ‘Small Hotel of the Year’. Gold, silver, and bronze awards were given for each of the categories to highlight some of the best businesses in the tourism industry.VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said: “The awards are a celebration of England’s outstanding tourism industry and an opportunity to highlight the excellence that makes it world leading.“From a hands-on, traditional blacksmith’s visitor experience in the Midlands and a castle hotel and spa set in one of our national parks to accessible and inclusive holidays, these awards showcase the exceptional quality, unparalleled customer service and innovation that drive our industry.“I congratulate the wonderful range of first-class award recipients, all of whom are so passionate about tourism. They are all deserving winners.”You can book animal experiences to get up close to some of the animals(Image: Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park)Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park has around 100 species and breeds of animals to see including zebras, pigs, polar bears, and tigers. If you are more interested in insects, there are a few to see at the wildlife park such as beetles and ants as well as butterflies you can see while walking around the butterfly house.If you want to get up close to some of the animals, you might want to book an animal experience where you will be able to spend some time with them in their enclosures, feed them, and help to bath or groom them. You can choose from a range of different animals to spend time with including capybaras, donkeys, and different farm animals.After taking a walk around the park and seeing the animals, there is a huge play area suitable for children of all ages. The play area features a giant sandpit, a wooden playground for children to run around, climbing pyramids, and even a hobbit house.There are a mix of farm and zoo animals to see(Image: Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park)In terms of food, you can pop into the Barn restaurant and coffee house for either breakfast or lunch. The Barn’s menu features a range of dishes that will set you up for the day as well as larger meals that change depending on the season.Tickets for the wildlife park cost £25 for adults and £20 for children between the ages of two and 16. You can stay in the park for as long as you want.Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park can be found on Pannington Hall Lane, which is around an hour and 10-minute drive away from Cambridge via the A14. There is a car park onsite that is free for all visitors to use.
Double stabbing in Midlands town sparks multiple arrests
Police rushed to reports of people fighting in the street in StaffordshireEmergency services on The Strand, LongtonPolice have arrested two men following a double stabbing in a Midlands town.The violence took place in Staffordshire at around 11.45am today, June 6.Staffordshire Police said it was called to reports of a group of people fighting in the street in Longton, Stoke.READ MORE: ‘Avoid the area’ warning as Midlands street sealed off over ‘fight involving weapons’Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp , click the link to joinThe men were then seeing fleeing in the direction of the market towards Fenton.Officers attended the scene alongside paramedics and set up a cordon.Two men were found with multiple suspected stab wounds and taken to hospital.Staffordshire Police said it arrested a 28-year-old man on suspicion of Section 18 – wounding with intent, and a 22-year-old man on suspicion of Section 18 – grievous bodily harm with intent.Officers said another man who may been involved ran off after it happened.He is described as white, bald, around 5ft 8ins tall, roughly middle-aged and wearing black joggers.Officers have launched an appeal for anyone with information to get in touch.A force spokesperson said: “Two men have been arrested following a fight where two people suffered stab wounds in Stoke-on-Trent.”At 11.45am today we were called to The Strand in Longton following a report that a group of people were fighting in the street.”The men were then seen running off towards the market in the direction of Fenton.”Officers attended the scene alongside paramedics from West Midlands Ambulance Service and set up a cordon.”Two men were found with multiple suspected stab wounds and have been taken to hospital.”Two people from Stoke-on-Trent have been arrested. One man, aged 28, has been arrested on suspicion of Section 18 – wounding with intent.”Another man, aged 22, has been arrested on suspicion of Section 18 – grievous bodily harm with intent.”One man, who may have also been involved, ran off after it happened.”He is described as white, bald, around 5ft 8ins tall, roughly middle-aged and wearing black joggers.”He was seen on King Street shortly after the incident took place.”Officers are speaking to businesses in the area to look at CCTV and are keen to speak to anyone who may be able to help with our investigation.”Call 101 or use Live Chat on our website, quoting incident 281 of 6 June.”To report anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
507 new homes set to transform edge of city centre
The project is located around the Ten Streets regeneration area, next to Merseyrail’s Northern LineMore than 500 apartments are planned at Love Lane and Pall Mall in Vauxhall, Liverpool(Image: Sourced Development / Planning Documents)The edge of Liverpool city centre is set to be transformed, as plans progress on construction of more than 500 new homes. Cheshire-based BDP Construction is aiming to start on the £110m development at the end of this year.The original planning application was submitted to Liverpool City Council in August 2023 by Love Lane Liverpool Ltd, with plans subsequently approved for the construction of four residential blocks, comprising a total of 507 apartments, and provision for ground floor commercial units.It also included a commitment for developers to repurpose the existing railway arches and subterranean tunnels, with design guide documents indicating these could be converted into commercial spaces such as restaurants and cafes.The project is located around the Ten Streets regeneration area, next to the Merseyrail Northern Line. As part of the proposed reuse of the site, subterranean tunnels and existing railway arches would be transformed into commercial space. The scheme will also include car parking space and communal courtyards.Tunnels on Love Lane-Whitley Street(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)Design and access statements attached with the application said: “It will be a place that people will aspire to live and work, and come to play in their free time.”Adding: “We believe the proposals offer not just much needed homes and commercial space, we believe this will support the city ambitions for continuing the regeneration of Pumpfields, the city core integration of the area.”Sourced Developments took on the proposal and secured planning approval for the project last year, but the developer sold the site to UAE-based Habita, a company headed up by Ian Ringwood. Since then, the scheme has rebranded the project as City Walk, and apartments are being sold off-plan to investors from £186,000.The scheme is now being brought forward by Equityway Holdings, which is working with a new project team to secure Gateway 2 approval.One part of the site which is set for a major housing and regeneration development(Image: Liverpool ECHO)Footprint Architects, Pegasus Group, Pick Everard, and Shear are also advising Habita on the scheme, as it moves towards the delivery phase.Originally designed by architect BDP, which is not affiliated to the contractor appointed to build it, there are plans for four residential blocks, rising to 11 storeys, on four acres of land between the Ten Streets regeneration area and Vauxhall. Three of the plots adjoin Love Lane and one is located further south on Pall Mall.The scheme would feature 147 one-bedroom apartments, 330 with two bedrooms, and 30 with three beds.Redundant railway arches and subterranean tunnels located on two of the plots would be repurposed into more than 10,000 sqft of commercial space, according to the proposals.A 200 metre park also forms part of the joint venture’s vision for the site.
Kelsall out to bring trophies back home | Burton Mail – newspaper – Read this story on Magzter.com
SAM Kelsall is determined to make the most of his fresh opportunity with Staffordshire – and hopefully scratch a 10-year itch in the process.Kelsall returned to the county fold over the winter after a period away from the Staffs set-up.The 33-year-old was appointed as captain ahead of the 2020 campaign – which was ultimately cancelled due to the covid pandemic – but stepped down without taking charge of a competitive game after failing to find common ground with management over certain issues.Kelsall spent time away from the National Counties Cricket Association circuit, but returned to play for Bedfordshire in the 2024 season.However, he’s now back home with Staffordshire and eager to play his part in another successful chapter for the county.“I thought my chance to play for Staffs again had gone,” said the Moddershall all-rounder.“But there were some good conversations over the winter and I wanted to get back involved.“It’s been great, training and playing with a good group of cricketers – it’s been a really good environment.“There’s no point in dwelling on what happened in the past – things happened for a reason.“If anything it’s made me hungrier to get back and hopefully contribute to winning games of cricket for Staffordshire.“I did enjoy my time with Bedfordshire and I haven’t got a bad word to say about them, they gave me the opportunity to play at this level again.“But ultimately I’m a Staffordshire lad and have played for the county since I was 10, so this is very much my home.”And Kelsall is part of a Staffs side who have started the season impressively.After three years of failing to progress from the group stages of the 50-over competition, Staffordshire have bucked the trend and advanced this year.
Tottenham legend says what fans already knew about Spurs transfer strategy
Tottenham Hotspur have already brought in two high profile free agents to bolster their defense this summer in Liverpool icon Andrew Robertson and Bournemouth breakout star Marcos Senesi, who both figure to get significant minutes, if not start outright, in the upcoming 2025/26 Premier League season.Neither Senesi nor Robertson, especially, were remotely the best available players in their positions, but they have, at least at one point in their careers, been among the best in the Premier League, and, most importantly for Roberto De Zerbi and Spurs, bring experience and leadership to a club that nearly got themselves relegated last season.De Zerbi is known for being a young coach who likes players who are as young and exciting as he is, but in order to survive, he leaned on veterans like Conor Gallagher, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Joao Palhinha to scrape by the relegation battle.Tottenham want to win nowTottenham are prioritizing proven Premier League players, and the club’s legendary center back Toby Alderweireld definitely sees it that way when analyzing the club’s transfer policy so far in the summer 2026 transfer window.The Belgian international pointed out to Football.London’s Alasdair Gold, “They both know the Premier League. That’s good, because I think Spurs now need stability. They need to know the players can perform every week, week in, week out. They perform on a good level. Of course, a transfer to a new club, it’s always a bit different, but they know the Premier League and that’s very important. Next season, it’s impossible that we go back to this [awful] period. So I think it’s understanding they are looking for players who are proven in the Premier League. That’s something they should do. They should have a little bit more security in that.”Jan Paul van Hecke is only 25 years old, but the Brighton star has been a quality Premier League starter for a few years now. Marcos Senesi actually hasn’t been touted for as long, but he is nearly 30 years of age now and was a borderline Premier League Team of the Season center back in the 2025/26 season.Tottenham Hotspur are getting two known commodities at center back who have competed at a high level on successful teams before, and that seems to be what Spurs are going for this summer. Instead of prioritizing only young players with future star upside, Spurs want guys who can help them win now.Add us as a preferred source on GoogleFollow
Nottinghamshire weather for Saturday 6 June | West Bridgford Wire
Saturday 6 June is expected to be unsettled, with rain likely early on and further showers possible through much of the day.Temperatures will reach around 17°C, but it will feel cooler in the wind, with gusts strengthening during the morning and evening.Early morningThe day will start cloudy and wet, with temperatures around 12°C from 5am to 7am, rising to 13°C by 8am. The chance of rain is greater than 95% from 5am to 7am, easing slightly to 90% by 8am.Winds will come from the south-east to south-south-east at around 10 to 13 mph, with gusts increasing from about 23 mph to 29 mph. UV levels will remain low at 1.- Advertisement -MiddayLate morning and lunchtime will stay unsettled, although the chance of rain should ease compared with the start of the day. Temperatures will rise from 13°C at 9am to 14°C at 10am, 15°C at 11am and 16°C by midday.The chance of rain falls from 70% at 9am to around 50% from 10am to midday. Winds will be from the south-south-east at around 14 to 15 mph, with gusts close to 30 mph. UV levels will rise from 2 at 9am to 3 at 10am, 4 at 11am and 6 by midday.AfternoonThe afternoon is expected to remain cloudy and showery, with temperatures reaching around 17°C from 1pm to 4pm. The chance of rain increases again, from around 60% at 1pm to 70% at 2pm and 80% by 3pm and 4pm.Winds will turn from south-south-easterly to southerly at around 11 to 14 mph, with gusts between 23 and 29 mph. UV levels will ease from 4 early in the afternoon to 3 by mid-afternoon.EveningThe evening will remain unsettled at first, with showers likely before conditions gradually improve later. Temperatures will stay around 17°C at 5pm and 6pm, then fall to 16°C by 7pm and 8pm, 15°C at 9pm and 10pm, and 14°C by 11pm.The chance of rain is around 70% at 5pm, 60% at 6pm, 50% at 7pm, 30% at 8pm, and 20% by 9pm, before falling to 10% later. Winds will turn from south-south-west to south-west, west-south-west and westerly, at around 10 to 15 mph, with gusts reaching up to 32 mph. UV levels will be low in the evening, falling from 2 at 5pm to 1.
Locals say plans for thousands more homes ‘like building new town’
A group of over 30 parish councillors and organisations have grouped together to call on a council to look at its local planMembers of Pause the Plans. Left to right – Graham Campbell, Lynne Pinn, Chris Stening, Ruth Southworth and Paul Boothman(Image: Cambridgeshire Live)Locals have urged a council to “pause” its local plan as they fear the thousands of homes planned could lead to overdevelopment. Under Huntingdonshire’s District Council’s Draft Local Plan for 2026, more than 24,000 homes could be built in areas including Huntingdon and St Ives.Locals including residents and parish councillors said they are concerned at the impact this could have on infrastructure including roads and doctors. As a result, over 30 parish councils and organisations have joined together in the ‘Pause the Plan’ campaign.It asks HDC to thoroughly assess the impact it could have and to compile more evidence together before the plans are given the go-ahead.Several concerned parish councillors and a local resident have shared their thoughts on the local plan. Chris Stening, of Ellington Parish Council, said the proposed number of new homes is essentially creating a “new town”.He said: “When you put in a new town, you get all of the infrastructure considered. But what we’re seeing in this area is lots and lots of relatively small developments. But when you total them, it’s like creating three more St Ives all in this area.”Chris believes there has been “no consideration” towards the impact it could have on water and road infrastructure. He added: “That’s the real problem with the plan. That’s why we’re asking the local authorities to collect some evidence and fill the gaps to understand what infrastructure requirements are needed and then actually come up with a property community impact assessment.”Resident Ruth Southworth feels that St Ives could “lose its identity” if the homes are built. Ruth said: “In the local plan, there is no map of the cumulative effect.“I don’t think they properly thought through the infrastructure. We have issues with flooding, we have issues with water and water supply. To have a development of this size in such a small area means you’ve also got to consider roads.“Sometimes it can take an hour to just come out of St Ives. We have one river crossing in St Ives and one at Huntingdon. With the floods, that’s even more challenging.”Like the rest of the group, Ruth would like to see the plan paused. Paul Boothman, chair of Houghton and Wyton Parish Council, said the group is “not against development”.However, he added: “It’s really important we have it, especially affordable housing. This is an expensive place to live and not affordable. One of the other issues we have it we also need jobs. But, there seems to be an imbalance between the jobs that this will create and the housing numbers of the people that will actually be occupying those houses.“The risk we’ve got, or the worry we’ve got, is that if we’re not careful in building such a concentrated development in such a small area, we’re gonna end up with housing for people who won’t actually have jobs here.“There won’t be enough created and people will be commuting. That’s going to lead to even more gridlock and infrastructure issues that we already face, but it’s going to make the situation worse.”Graham Campbell, from the Great Ouse Valley Trust, is concerned about the environmental impact of the developments. He said: “We live in one of the most attractive and important landscapes. It’s not recognised in the local plan and it’s what gives our whole area identity. That’s very important to us.“Again, we’re not against development, that’s essential. But, the overall planning and concept [we want the council] to appreciate and reflect the value of this landscape for tourism, but also for local people to enjoy.”A HDC spokesperson has said the council is currently progressing the local plan. The spokesperson said: “We are progressing the Local Plan in line with current government legislation, which requires submission of the Proposed Submission Plan to the Planning Inspectorate, alongside all public comments, by December 31, 2026.”An independent Planning Inspector will then undertake a thorough examination of the draft plan and supporting evidence, including public hearings, to consider all representations and recommend any necessary changes.” The council is also aware of the Pause the Plan.The HDC spokesperson added: “We are aware of the concerns raised by the ‘Pause the Plan’ group and have reflected these in updates to our timetable. The next phase of public consultation will now begin in September 2026, providing additional time to consider the initial outcomes of local government reorganisation proposals and to finalise supporting evidence.”This includes ongoing work with partners such as the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority on key transport infrastructure, including the A141 and St Ives improvements scheme.”Starting consultation in September also avoids the main summer holiday period while ensuring we can still meet the national deadline. Failing to do so would require restarting the Local Plan under new legislation, delaying the delivery of an up-to-date plan for Huntingdonshire’s communities.”
