And there is a saying in England about ‘going up north’. Generally it has connotations of a grim environment, however having come up here from down south I find it a very friendly place. The actual hotel I’m in is quite amazing having been converted from an old dock-side building with a modern restoration.  It has lovely vaulted ceilings with a large modern room and magnificent outlook.
The city also is quite clean and seems very efficient.  I guess Liverpool didn’t always have this reputation and although I’m no historian could understand that it probably had a dark side in the past.  I’m quite impressed however and really looking forward to walking around and meeting my customer here in the city.  I wonder why there is such resistance to the reuse of old buildings since they don’t always have to be torn down but I think careful selection and favourable treatment can insure a good mix of old and new. It isn’t always the case and both modern brutalism is as crass as Victorian decrepitude because  sometimes older sites are left because of some vague sentimentality, but I think given sufficient investment and thought, and cities be regenerated in a meaningful way.
Let’s not hindered progress simply because it is progress but rather thoughtfully create better environments for all.