Rebirth of Liverpool: The Eldonian Way

The Eldonian Village is a sustainable community in the north docks area of Liverpool which is internationally renowned as a model of what can be achieved by locally driven neighbourhood regeneration. This book tells the remarkable story of a group of people who faced the threat of the demolition of their homes and their dispersal across the city in the early 1980s. They and their advisors created a redevelopment strategy that was so successful that the resulting village received the prestigious World Habitat Award in 2004. Over a period of thirty years a derelict and polluted tract of land was transformed into a thriving community with cradle-to-grave provision for its inhabitants.

The story is told through the words of the key actors at the centre of events. We hear primarily from the local people, in particular their inspirational leader, Tony McGann; from Lords Heseltine and Jenkin who were influential in gaining the support of central government; and from the various professional advisors who contributed to the realization of the Eldonians' dreams. The book comes right up to date with the ongoing plans and projects in the village, for despite their many achievements, the Eldonians are not finished. In Tony McGann's words, 'We haven't even taken our coats off here.'