Liverpool with a skyline that resembles Shanghai or Dubai, or perhaps Singapore, where I lived for a time? Skycrapers and traditional buildings sat side by side, the scale and modernist grandeur of the former throwing into sharp relief the architectural heritage of the past? Frankly, I like the sound of that, and it’s a vision of the future that has been echoed recently in The Sunday Times, on the BBC and elsewhere, amid forecasts that more than 100 skyscrapers are set to be built across Liverpool, and in Manchester and Leeds. Liverpool’s development plans include a massive £5.5 billion skyscraper scheme with buildings up to 50 storeys, as developers invest heavily on the back of a strengthening housing demand in the city centre after years of exodus. For detailed news and images of planned skyscraper developments in Liverpool and elsewhere, visit skyscrapernews.com to see how Liverpool may be starting to catch up with some of the world’s other inspiring cityscapes. With all this development, though, the crucial acid test must be its impact on improving the working, personal and creative lives of the people of Merseyside. For interesting discussions on this subject, visit the Nerve website of the arts, cultural and social issues magazine of the same name. (Photo: Fourth Grace Foster. Copyright Holder – Foster and Partners)

Liverpool Performing Arts Festival

From March 3rd to March 8th, Liverpool’s St George’s Hall will play host to the musical segment of the Liverpool Performing Arts Festival. The speech, drama and dance segment will take place March 19th to March 22nd. Attracting rising stars from Liverpool and surrounding areas, more than 7,000 will take part in an event that has grown by more than 50 per cent over the last five years. Performances start at 9.30 am to 1.00pm, 2pm to 5pm and 6pm to 9pm. Tickets cost just £2.20 for adults, £1.20 for children and concessions and a weekly ticket is £6. For information or to book, call 0151 233 2008, or email: contact@liverpool08.com.