The people of Liverpool are being invited to view and comment on proposals for one of Europe’s premier development opportunities.

The Kings Waterfront exhibition, which opened yesterday at the Moat House Hotel is the final phase of a programme of public consultation on the future development of the prestigious waterfront site.

The exhibition features computer generated images, a simulated "fly-through", and a scale model to illustrate how the site will be transformed to a visitor destination of international quality.

The centrepiece of the development is a spectacular arena, conference and exhibition complex designed by award-winning UK architects Wilkinson Eyre. International urban design specialists EDAW have prepared the masterplan, which provides the overall structure for the development. It envisages a mixed-use waterfront quarter containing high-quality residential apartments, prestige hotels and offices, leisure and retail facilities, and world-class public spaces.

The arena, exhibition area and conference centre components are due for completion in time for Liverpool’s European Capital of Culture celebrations in 2008.

Liverpool Vision Chief Executive Jim Gill commented, "The exhibition presents for the first time a clear picture of our ambitions for Kings Waterfront, including a magnificent complex of arena, conference and exhibition facilities which Liverpool and Merseyside lack at present, and which will help to establish the city and the waterfront as an international visitor destination."

The Kings Waterfront partners – Liverpool Vision, site owners English Partnerships, Liverpool City Council and the Northwest Development Agency – are emphasising how the results of earlier consultations have directly influenced the new masterplan.

A strong public desire to take maximum advantage of the magnificent waterfront setting and a decision to re-locate the major public facilities closer to the river edge reflects the outcome of consultations held earlier this year.

The partners are encouraging as many people as possible to visit the exhibition and comment on the latest plans before a planning application is submitted in June.

The Kings Waterfront exhibition opened to the public on Tuesday 25 May at the Moat House Hotel, Paradise Street Liverpool and closes on 29 May. Daily opening times are:

Wednesday, 26 May 11am – 7pm
Thursday, 27 May 11am – 7pm
Friday, 28 May 10am – 3pm
Saturday, 29 May 10am – 3pm