Post by Kev on Apr 29, 2004 6:38:49 GMT -5
Liverpool city centre is to get new high-tech street signs and information panels aimed at helping visitors find their way around.
They are being introduced in advance of the huge influx of visitors expected in 2008 when the city becomes European Capital of Culture.
The mapping system will comprise "talking" signs in several languages, as well as dozens of fingerposts.
Liverpool City Council expect the system to be fully installed by July.
'Connecting Liverpool', is seen as a key part of the city's regeneration as it prepares for its year as European Capital of Culture.
3D city landmarks
It is hoped it will help both visitors and locals discover the culture, heritage and diversity of Liverpool's city centre.
Some of the signs will have panels, featuring 3D images of city landmarks.
They have been designed using clear colours to help visually impaired people.
They also show areas within six minutes walk of the panel, as well as a diagram covering the whole city.
And there is clear identification of steps and areas inaccessible to wheelchair users.
It is anticipated that some elements of the system will speak in up to eight languages.
Councillor Mike Storey, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said: "Connecting Liverpool will help visitors find their way around the city much more easily.
"It will enrich their experience of the city as it will help both them and local people learn more about the city's heritage and culture.
"Tourism is becoming a vitally important part of the city's future and will get even more important between now and 2008."
They are being introduced in advance of the huge influx of visitors expected in 2008 when the city becomes European Capital of Culture.
The mapping system will comprise "talking" signs in several languages, as well as dozens of fingerposts.
Liverpool City Council expect the system to be fully installed by July.
'Connecting Liverpool', is seen as a key part of the city's regeneration as it prepares for its year as European Capital of Culture.
3D city landmarks
It is hoped it will help both visitors and locals discover the culture, heritage and diversity of Liverpool's city centre.
Some of the signs will have panels, featuring 3D images of city landmarks.
They have been designed using clear colours to help visually impaired people.
They also show areas within six minutes walk of the panel, as well as a diagram covering the whole city.
And there is clear identification of steps and areas inaccessible to wheelchair users.
It is anticipated that some elements of the system will speak in up to eight languages.
Councillor Mike Storey, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said: "Connecting Liverpool will help visitors find their way around the city much more easily.
"It will enrich their experience of the city as it will help both them and local people learn more about the city's heritage and culture.
"Tourism is becoming a vitally important part of the city's future and will get even more important between now and 2008."
