Creative Place Making - Anfield Alley Angels

Overview

Anfield, Liverpool - globally recognised for its football heritage - had long been a place of contrasts: celebrated by millions but, locally, struggling with disconnection, dereliction, and poor perceptions. Andrew Edwards (Senior Consultant at V4 Services since 2022) led a transformational regeneration programme combining grassroots engagement, public realm investment, and creative placemaking, in his previous role with Your Housing Group (YHG).

At its heart was the Alley Angels initiative - a resident-led civic movement that built trust, improved safety, and transformed neglected spaces. This community-first work laid the foundation for the now-iconic Ian Rush mural, commissioned and unveiled to global attention just before Liverpool’s FA Cup Final win in May 2022.

The project was part of a wider £225 million Anfield Regeneration Partnership between Liverpool City Council, Your Housing Group, Liverpool FC, and Keepmoat Homes.

It included a £2 million environmental enhancement initiative and the delivery of over 600 new and 600 refurbished homes. Street scene investments included the removal of derelict housing, new bin stores, sustainable planting, and the creation of safer, greener public spaces.

The Challenge

To empower residents to lead transformation in their neighbourhood, improve safety and perception, and use creative placemaking to rebuild identity, attract footfall, and support local prosperity. 

Key Requirements and Outcomes:

• Reclaim and improve neglected spaces
• Enhance safety, cleanliness, and visibility
• Drive civic pride and ownership
• Attract visitors, investment, and long-term sustainability
• Deliver health, education, and environmental value 

The Solution

Physical Regeneration – Safer, Greener, More Liveable Streets

£2 million of improvements included:

• Demolition of derelict housing
• Installation of enclosed bin stores
• Sustainable tree planting
• Improved lighting and sightlines
• Landscape design co-created with residents

These works made streets safer, more accessible, and more visually appealing.

Alley Angels – Community Ownership, Education, and Transformation 

Alley Angels was a resident-led programme born from the environmental enhancement phase. Over 150 residents took part in monthly clean-up, greening, and art activities. The initiative evolved into a micro-charity model and was backed by:

• Liverpool City Council
• Your Housing Group
• Keep Britain Tidy
• Merseyside Police
• Social prescribers and medical practitioners

The initiative engaged:

• Local schools (e.g. All Saints Primary School) through gardening, recycling, and mural design
• Older residents and youth in intergenerational learning
• Conservation and health groups to promote wellbeing via nature

This scalable model can be adapted to any community need — from crime to health or culture — and serves as a long-term platform for local leadership.

 Ian Rush Mural – Iconic Cultural Statement 

Commissioned by the community and created by MurWalls, the 30ft Ian Rush mural was unveiled on 19 May 2022 — days before Liverpool’s FA Cup victory.

It immediately became a photo-worthy attraction and symbol of local pride.

• Located on a pedestrian matchday route
• Covered nationally by BBC, ITV, Sky Sports, This Is Anfield, and the Liverpool Echo
• Inspired further murals forming the ‘Anfield Art Trail’, now visited by thousands each week
• Boosted local trade and tourism outside of matchdays

Key Successes

Social, Educational & Community Impact

• Pride and cohesion among residents
• School partnerships and hands-on learning
• Mental health benefits through nature and creativity
• Long-term community groups now leading future activities

Economic & Place-Based Impact

• Increased footfall and trade for local businesses
• Diversified tourism through the mural trail
• Local house prices have risen significantly
• Created jobs, volunteering, and local leadership opportunities

Media and Digital Amplification

• Featured on Sky Sports, BBC Radio Merseyside, ITV Granada, Liverpool Echo, This Is Anfield
• Strong social media reach and geo-tagged digital mural trail
• Positive place branding for Anfield and community-led regeneration

Sustainability and Legacy

• Community groups resourced, trained, and insured to continue activities
• Partnerships with schools, prescribers, and conservationists
• Replicable, low-cost event model for any community focus
• Ongoing mural commissions have created lasting identity and tourism

As a spin-off added value feature, resulting from the initial Ian Rush mural a further “top secret” mural of Jurgen Klopp was commissioned, also worked on Klopp – the secretive nature until launch date, was due to Jurgen’s profile.

To find out how V4 Services can help you with your next project, please get in touch.