Where the sun also rises
As he sits watching the sun set gently
over the Mersey, Martyn Best's thoughts turn to the place it
will soon be rising - our twin city of Shanghai.
Thoughts of this wonderful trading
city have become more prevalent this week with the inspiring launch
of the
Expo 2010 prospectus which highlights Liverpool's
engagement in what will be the world's largest ever Expo.
Taking place between May and October
next year, in Shanghai, this will be an astonishing showcase for
the world's leading countries and cities. Liverpool's
platform is one of urban best practice, and we (I use the royal
'we') will be emphasizing how the city has managed its
resurgence whilst maintaining many historic buildings.
It's not a bad platform to start
a case from - Liverpool is renowned as having the most listed
buildings outside of London; has a skyline the envy of the world
(see my colleague's recent
blog), and has sporting, musical and cultural icons which
many a small country would kill for. But in today's fast-paced,
easy access, recession-laden world, you need more than that in
order to compete - and Liverpool does.
The key purpose I see Expo 2010
gives the city is an unrivalled stage upon which to better
communicate this to the world - they've heard of the Beatles,
and a football
team or two, but do
they know what extra character and dynamic the city has as a place
in which to work, rest and play? Do they know of the energy, humour
and diversity of the workforce? Do they know of the quality and
pace of life that exists along the banks of the Mersey?
If they don't know, I sure hope
they will by the end of Expo 2010, and perhaps the sun will be seen
as once again rising over Liverpool.
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