Liverpool stripped of World Heritage status

Liverpool has been stripped of its World Heritage status after a UN committee found developments threatened the value of the city’s waterfront. The decision was made following a secret ballot by the UNESCO Committee at a meeting in China. UNESCO had previously warned that the developments, including the new Everton FC stadium, had resulted in a “serious deterioration” of the historic site.

Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram said the decision was “a retrograde step that does not reflect the reality of what is happening on the ground”.

The government



said it was “extremely disappointed” with the decision and believes Liverpool still deserves its heritage status “given the significant role the historic docks and the wider city have played throughout history”.

The city was awarded the much-coveted title in 2004 in recognition of its historical and architectural impact, joining places including the Taj Mahal, Egypt’s Pyramids and Canterbury Cathedral. UNESCO Director Dr Mechtild Rossler said the city had been warned of its potential deletion from the list for many years.