Louise Ellman

As its name implies, the Riverside constituency stretches along the bank of the River Mersey from the Kirkdale and Everton wards at its northern end, through the city centre, via the Central, Riverside, and Princes Park wards, and encompasses the Mossley Hill, Greenbank and St Michael's wards at its southern end.

It covers a diverse area in terms of population, including most of the city's black population, Chinatown and most of the student population.

Culture and heritage

The Riverside constituency is the home of many of the city's most famous landmarks including the waterfront with the world famous Liver birds, the Albert Dock, St John's Beacon, two of the city's universities, both the Cathedrals, St George's Hall and Sefton Park with its 100 year old Palm House.

Most of Liverpool's many theatres; museums and galleries are also situated in Riverside.

Economic situation

Unfortunately, Riverside is one of the poorest constituencies in the country and is part of the Merseyside Objective 1 area. Unemployment in June 2000 currently stood at 11.5%. Recently, however, economic regeneration has been much in evidence both with European Funding as well as commercial investment. Significant economic regeneration is underway in the city centre with the Grosvenor Paradise Street development under construction, as well as the Kings Dock arena nearby to the Albert Dock.

Whilst the northern end of the constituency has lost population due to the decline of the manufacturing industry that was once based there, the southern end is densely populated. The city centre itself is being repopulated with the development of riverside flats and city centre attics. The Country's first urban regeneration company, Liverpool Vision, was set up by the North West Development Agency, Liverpool City Council, English Partnerships and others.