2 hours
The Athenaeum
Starting at GBP 0
Tue, 18 Nov, 2025 at 05:30 pm to 07:30 pm (GMT+00:00)
The Athenaeum
12-18 Church Alley, Liverpool, United Kingdom
For the last ten years, retail has been widely reported as being in turmoil. Debenhams, Topshop and a host of other brands have fallen by the wayside, whilst 'repurposing' has become a buzz phrase amongst property owners who have convinced themselves that retail is dead and the future lies in residential or office spaces.
Against this backdrop, Liverpool ONE has thrived. Achieving higher footfall and sales performances than at any point in its 18-year history. Iain will share what he believes are the reasons for the trend-defying performance, and why he believes that whilst Liverpool can be a blueprint for the rest of the country, its future is potentially even brighter than elsewhere.
MCS last visited High Streets as a topic in 2019, before COVID. Then we produced a set of principles for sustainable town centres .
This year’s AGM will take place at The Athenaeum, in Church Alley (opposite Primark) in Liverpool City Centre.
Chair for the evening is MCS Vice President, Lesley Martin-Wright.
Programme for the evening
17:00
Arrive early and go to the 2nd floor Library to view some of the Athenaeum’s maps of Liverpool and Birkenhead. The Athenaeum has kindly offered to put these out on display exclusively for MCS members and guests.
17:30
Join us in the 1st floor Newsroom for a glass of wine, tea or coffee and nibbles
18:00
Merseyside Civic Society Annual General Meeting on the 3rd floor
18:30
Presentation by our Guest Speaker Iain Finlayson from LIverpool ONE, followed by 'in conversation' with MCS Vice President, Lesley Martin-Wright and Q&A
19:30
Ends
We request an 'on the night' donation of £4 towards refreshments but there is no charge to MCS members and guests for this event
Getting There
By Car - Nearest car parks are Hanover St or Liverpool ONE Car Park
By Public Transport: Five minutes' walk from Liverpool Central Rail station or Liverpool One Bus Station
Accessibility
NB The Athenaeum is a historic building and not fully accessible . Please email c2VjcmV0YXJ5IHwgbWVyc2V5c2lkZWNpdmljc29jaWV0eSAhIG9yZw== if this presents any issues.
Also check out other Meetups in Liverpool, Nonprofit events in Liverpool.
Tickets for Why Liverpool's High St is thriving, and how to maintain it can be booked here.
| Ticket type | Ticket price |
|---|---|
| MCS Members and Guests | Free |
| General Admission | 7 GBP |
