ABSTRACT
The second part of the findings and analysis of the project, this chapter explores responses pertaining to the ‘backward-facing’ era from the late 1970s/early 1980s to the present day. Here, the focus shifts very much towards the city centre, more specifically the waterfront, and how Liverpool is perceived by the wider world. This represent a clear volte face from the finding of the previous chapter, as here respondents link Liverpool, regeneration, and home to the macro level city. Quotes from respondents reveal pleasure in, and support for, ‘new’ approaches to regeneration, pride in the city’s historic architecture and cultural offering, together with cynicism about economic revival and suspicion towards the motives of elites within the new Liverpool governance. Whilst the ‘mega events’ deemed so crucial to regeneration are popular and enjoyed by some, questions are raised as to how effective they are in terms of securing lasting change and prosperity, and whether money would be better spent elsewhere.
