Neglected space is set for a bright new look

Monument Place plans will kickstart change around London Road area

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But green shoots of hope began to arrive in 2017, when a group of local business figures, residents and others with an interest in the area came together to form the Fabric District Community Interest Company (CIC), with the name of the group nodding to that important history of textiles and rags. The aim of the group was to promote the area, drive positive change and unlock its potential.

And we have already seen some progress in those different areas. A range of new and interesting businesses have opened up in and around London Road in recent years - with no better than the hugely popular Bekas Cafe - Liverpool's first Kurdish cafe.

Improvements have also been made in terms of housing in the area. The Milliners Yard development - which was previously the Hughes House warehouse building was completed earlier this year and now offers 258 homes targeted at key workers from nearby organisations like the Royal Liverpool Hospital and the city's universities.

Next to it, work continues to turn the iconic former home of TJ Hughes, Audley House, into nearly 200 flats - both developments are seen as crucial to enticing more people to make this area their home on a long-term basis.

But it is perhaps the space in front of these two large buildings that is seen as the most pivotal when it comes to the future regeneration of London Road and the wider Fabric District. The open pedestrianised plaza is known for holding markets - but it looks tired and unloved at present.