| Investment and Regeneration

Culture 
makes Capital 
Liverpool has experienced a surge in investment in recent years, with the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) playing an important role in helping to drive the cityÕs ongoing transformation. 
L
iverpool is undergoing a significant period of renaissance and renewal, with a number of major projects completed or underway that are transforming the cityÕs skyline and helping to boost the local and regional economy. 
The Northwest Development Agency (NWDA) has played a major role in driving this change, committing significant investment to a number of key projects that aim to increase tourism, boost the 
areaÕs knowledge economy, attract businesses to the area and enhance LiverpoolÕs image as a place to live, work, visit and invest. 


Cultural legacy 
As a main sponsor of LiverpoolÕs Capital of Culture year, the NWDA committed over £2m to support the Liverpool Culture Company in delivering the cultural programme for 2008. The year was a huge success, generating a vast increase in visitor numbers to the region (see page 78). 
As part of its commitment to ensuring that Capital of Culture creates long-term economic benefits, the NWDA has invested in a number of major infrastructure projects. This includes investing over £18m for the new Arena and Convention Centre (ACC Liverpool), which opened in early 2008. The £154m facility, comprising the Echo Arena Liverpool and BT Convention Centre, has made a striking addition to the waterfront and its state-of-the-art design and prime location continue to be a significant draw in bringing major events to the Northwest.