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The decision was made by the World Heritage Committee at its 44th session, held in Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China, on July 21.
In 2012, UNESCO added Liverpool to its list of World Heritage Sites in Danger. This move came after the city announced the Liverpool Waters project, which would allow for the restoration and construction of new buildings such as apartments, offices, and hotels on the famous Victorian-era waterfronts.
UNESCO has repeatedly expressed concerns that these new constructions diminish the appeal of the historic docks, as well as harm the "authenticity and integrity of the heritage." Meanwhile, despite objections from conservation agencies, the city authorities approved the construction of a new stadium for Everton Football Club on the site of the old docks in early 2021. This action was considered the final straw, prompting UNESCO to take action.
Mayor Joanne Anderson said she was "extremely disappointed and concerned" by UNESCO's actions. She stated that the World Heritage Committee had made a "completely wrong" decision and would work with the Government to appeal.
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of Liverpool, also condemned the move, calling it a "step backward that does not reflect what is happening in reality".
Previously, Liverpool was recognized as a World Heritage Site in 2004. The latest UNESCO decision has made Liverpool the third site in the world to be removed from the prestigious list, following the Elbe Valley in Dresden, Germany (2009) and the Wildlife Sanctuary in Oman (2017).
