Case Study: Revitalising Temple Square – How Community Collaboration is Transforming the Area

At Liverpool BID Company, we believe that thriving city spaces are built on strong connections between businesses, residents, and the wider community. Temple Square, a vibrant but previously under-supported area in Liverpool’s commercial district, has been a key focus of our recent placemaking efforts.
By fostering collaboration, encouraging community-led initiatives, and addressing key concerns such as safety and cleanliness, we have helped create a space where businesses and residents feel empowered to shape their environment.
Bringing Community Together: The Temple Square Community Group
One of our first steps in supporting Temple Square was initiating the formation of the Temple Square Community Group. This group brings together local businesses and residents from Temple Street and Temple Square, providing a platform where they can discuss shared concerns, suggest improvements, and collaborate on solutions.
To ensure open and ongoing communication, we also set up a WhatsApp group for the community. This informal channel allows members to stay updated, report issues, and share ideas outside of scheduled meetings.
In a significant milestone, the ownership of both the community meetings and WhatsApp group has now been taken over by one of the local businesses, making the initiative fully self-managed. This transition marks a sustainable step forward, ensuring that the community remains actively engaged in its own development.
As Nigel Britton, Partner and Head of Shared Services and Executive Board Chair at Liverpool BID Company, explains:
“As a responsible employer based in the city centre, the safety and wellbeing of our colleagues is paramount. Recently, we have noticed some challenges in the area around our offices, including anti-social behaviour and litter. The BID team has successfully mobilised a community group that is now working closely with other agencies. Together, we are creating a safer and cleaner environment for workers, residents, and visitors. We are already seeing tangible improvements in our part of the city centre.”
Creating a Cleaner and More Welcoming Environment
Before launching the community group, we organised a Temple Square litter pick, inviting businesses to join us in cleaning up the communal gardens. This simple yet impactful event fostered a sense of shared responsibility, and businesses have since taken the lead, organizing their own ad hoc litter picks to maintain the space.
Beyond litter picking, additional cleansing support has been provided to help reclaim the area. This has included:
- Graffiti removal to improve the appearance of the space.
- Weed removal to keep pathways and communal areas tidy.
- Regular spot visits to maintain cleanliness and demonstrate an ongoing visible presence.
These efforts not only improve the environment but also help reinforce the sense of pride and ownership among those who live and work in the area.
Improving Safety with Enhanced Security Measures
One of the key concerns raised in the community meetings was crime and safety in Temple Square. In response, Liverpool BID Company worked closely with the group to report incidents and liaise directly with Merseyside Police.
As a result of these efforts, a temporary 360-degree CCTV camera is set to be installed in Temple Square, providing improved security while a permanent CityWatch CCTV camera is arranged. This proactive approach ensures that businesses and residents feel safer, while also deterring crime and antisocial behavior in the area.
Shaun Holland, Director of Operations at Liverpool BID Company said:
“Liverpool BID Company was approached by Temple Square levy payers concerned about crime and safety. I met with business owners and residents, bringing together key partners to address their concerns. The first meeting led to actions like cleaning, planting, a WhatsApp group, improved lighting, crime prevention signage, and CCTV plans. BID chaired follow-ups, ensuring progress. Now, this group has become a community, leading their own meetings and working with partners to maintain a safer, cleaner space. I’m delighted that Liverpool BID Company helped unite them in transforming their area.”
A Model for Community-Led Urban Improvements
The work at Temple Square is a shining example of how community engagement and partnership working can create lasting improvements in urban spaces. By bringing businesses and residents together, fostering ownership of initiatives, and working with key partners like Merseyside Police, we have helped establish a self-sustaining model for positive change.
Looking Ahead
Liverpool BID Company remains committed to supporting business-led regeneration across the city. Temple Square’s transformation is just one example of how small changes, when driven by a strong community, can have a big impact.
We look forward to seeing how the Temple Square Community Group continues to evolve and inspire similar initiatives across Liverpool’s business districts.