But not everyone is thrilled by the news
Planning permission has been granted for outdoor adventure specialists, Zip World, to build a 400m (1,312ft) aerial zip wire in Liverpool City Centre.
The UK’s first urban zip wire will run between St John's Beacon, over St George's Place, St John's Gardens and William Brown Street, ending on the roof of Liverpool Central Library. The Local Democracy Reporting Service said the attraction would bring up to 40 jobs to the city when it opens in 2021.
This is a ridiculous idea - it's a historic part of the city, not a theme park
A number of councillors opposed the attraction, saying the noise would be disrespectful being so near to several city centre memorials. Zip World’s founder and former marine, Sean Taylor, said that due to the proximity of memorials, the zip wire would not operate on Hillsborough Memorial Day, Armistice Day, Remembrance Day or Christmas Day.
Speaking on behalf of the company, at the virtual planning committee meeting earlier this week, Rob Burns suggested that the effect of noise from the wire would not be disruptive to people in St John's Gardens.
But all three local councillors, as well as residents and local businesses formally opposed the planning application. The War Memorials Trust and St George’s Hall Charitable Trust, Historic England and Merseytravel also raised concerns.
City centre councillor Nick Small said that many people frequent the gardens ‘to get some peace and quiet’, adding, “It represents a fundamental change to have an adventure attraction, no matter how well run, because people are going to make noise."
Councillors for Central Liverpool - Christine Banks, Nick Small and Maria Toolan - have set up a petition asking Liverpool City Council to say no to the zip wire. At the time of writing, over 1550 have signed the petition which is hoping to reach 2500 signatures. One petitioner added a comment, saying; “This is a ridiculous idea - it's a historic part of the city, not a theme park.”
The council's planning committee backed adventure company Zip World's plans in a 5-3 vote. Lib Dem leader Richard Kemp said he would continue to fight against the attraction.
