Destination Liverpool |


schools to public parks, involving over 500,000 people. Meanwhile the Capital of Culture website Ð Liverpool08.com Ð received over 
1.75 million hits from 201 nations. 
The 2008 effect 
The increase in visitors naturally resulted in increased revenue in the regional economy. The boom in LiverpoolÕs hotel sector for example, with the number of beds sold in the year topping over a million, was already worth an estimated £35m to the city by August. 
Councillor Warren Bradley, leader of Liverpool City Council and Deputy Chairman of Liverpool Culture Company, said:ÒThese amazing figures once again underline why Culture is now a major driver in our economy. All the effort in delivering Ô08 is reaping huge dividends and as well as attracting newcomers from across the UK and beyond.Ó 

Beyond 2008 
After £400m investment in cultural infrastructure, major developments worth a further £200m have already begun. These include the Design Academy at John Moores University (due 2009) and the new Museum of Liverpool Life (due 2010). 
Liverpool City Council has committed to maintain arts funding levels over the next two years, worth £8.4m. A new Head of Culture, Claire McColgan, will lead a new 25-strong team from early 2009. Phil Redmond, Creative Director of Liverpool Culture Company, announced he would lead a new independent body called The Cultural Collective to ensure regional arts bodies continue to work together. 
Liverpool is also the first city to conduct a longitudinal assessment of being a European Capital of Culture. A pioneering academic study looking at the economic, social, cultural and physical impacts of Liverpool Õ08 will be published in summer 2009 by the Impacts Ô08 research programme at University of Liverpool and John Moores University. 
LiverpoolÕs themed yearly programme will continue with 2009 The Year of Environment and 2010 The Year of Innovation. 

Tel. 0151 233 2008 www.liverpool08.com www.ourcityourplanet.org.uk