Description
Book SynopsisLiverpool Beyond the Brink is a fascinating commentary on the economic decline that caused the physical, social and political fragmentation of the imperial city during the 1970s and the efforts since then to revive and reconnect it. It charts Liverpool’s fall in the 1980s, its gradual normalisation in the 1990s, its staggering achievements and, as a European city in the first part of this century, its efforts to be ambitious in an age of austerity. This thought-provoking work asks: how far has Liverpool come and where does it now stand in comparison with thirty years ago and alongside other cities in the UK? What were the most important forces driving change? Who helped the most and who helped the least? Who and where gained the most and who and where gained the least? Finally, the author asks what is next for Liverpool: what are the current challenges for the city?
Liverpool Beyond the Brink identifies the key economic, social and political challenges facing the city today to ensure there is increased productivity, future development is high quality and that the benefits of the city’s renaissance are experienced by all the people in Liverpool in all parts of the city. [Cover image: Liverpool Waterfront 2017 © McCoy Wynne (mccoywynne.co.uk)]
Trade Review‘A confusion of policy initiatives has sprung up in the 40 years since Michael Heseltine arrived from London to walk the streets of Toxteth, launch an International Garden Festival and save the Albert Dock from ruin. Parkinson provides a sure guide through the thicket, and has an uplifting story to tell.’
Michael Hebbert,
Urban History'This is an optimistic and timely book being based on evidence and reasoned reflection at a time when public debate and evidence-informed policymaking are at a low ebb...It is [Parkinson's] concern, even love, for the city and its people, combined with the forensic knowledge of its history over the past four decades, which pours off each page and makes the book such a tour de force.'
Roger Sykes,
HSLC
