Due to developments on Liverpool’s waterfront, including Everton’s new stadium at Bramley Moore Dock, the city has lost its UNESCO World Heritage status.
After voting by its members, UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee in China made the decision. According to a report released by the committee in June, waterfront development on the city’s waterfront has resulted in an “irreversible loss of attributes”.
A UNESCO statement read: “Liverpool’s historic centre and docklands were inscribed for bearing witness to the development of one of the world’s major trading centres in the 18th and 19th centuries.
“The site also illustrated pioneering developments in modern dock technology, transport systems and port management.”
The city of Liverpool has been on UNESCO’s List of World Heritage in Danger since 2012 due to “concerns about the proposed development of Liverpool Waters.” In 2004, Liverpool was inducted into UNESCO’s World Heritage List alongside the Taj Mahal and the Great Wall of China. During the list’s history, only three other sites have lost their status since 1978.
At Bramley Moore Dock, Everton plans to begin construction on their 52,888-seat stadium on July 26. During the 2024/25 season, the club hopes to move from Goodison Park to their new stadium. According to Everton, the new stadium is expected to create up to 15,000 jobs (12,000 during construction) and boost the city’s economy by around £1 billion. The stadium is expected to attract around 1.4 million visitors to the city and more than £255m will be spent in the local supply chain.