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New pilot parklet scheme helps restaurants reimagine outdoor eating

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Charlotte S Charlotte Fernández UKIMEA Press Office,Leeds
23 June 2020

Arup has designed a scheme of 'parklets’, comprising of new seating and park areas, as part of a pilot package of support for the hospitality sector in Liverpool. The new pop up parks will transform the look of the street by taking over existing parking bays in Liverpool and, if successful, could be rolled out to other streets across the city.

This pilot is part of the ongoing ‘Liverpool Without Walls’ project to re-imagine the city under social distancing, a joint project between Liverpool City Council, Liverpool BID Company and Liverpool Chamber of Commerce. The scheme is aimed at giving businesses in Liverpool the best chance of being ready to trade as soon as restrictions on hospitality businesses trading are lifted by the Government. 

The parklet furniture installation will be taking place throughout early July on Liverpool’s Bold Street with the rollout of additional seating in the city expected throughout the summer.

New pilot parklet scheme in Liverpool New pilot parklet scheme in Liverpool
The parklets, such as this one in Liverpool, can be fully customised to any street, delivery or parking bay.

Deputy Mayor and Cabinet member for culture and tourism, Councillor Wendy Simon, said:

“This is a phased approach to the reopening of the hospitality sector and these changes will be made gradually as we work with businesses on what they need, and how we can support them in line with the latest government safety guidance. We are always thinking of different ways we can use our city centre and neighbourhood high streets and it could be that these changes are in place for the long term, so we need to get it right. The furniture designs look great and it is so exciting that in this moment of crisis, we are looking to make our city centre a better environment than it was before.”

The fully customisable parklet designs being trialled in Liverpool have a 6-8 week turnaround time from design to installation – meaning they could be rolled out to other streets and cities across the UK to enable businesses, cafes and restaurants to safely open their doors to the public while complying with Government restrictions. 

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The creative use of space on the streets of the city centre has never been more important. The development of a ‘kit of parts’ concept for parklets will provide high quality and adaptable spaces that will enhance local character and sense of place, whilst also enabling businesses to operate safely. The furniture installation on Bold Street in Liverpool will be taking place throughout early July with the rollout of additional seating expected throughout the summer. ” Garry Banks Garry Banks Liverpool Office leader

Learn more about Arup's work designing parklets.