This bonus episode features a 12-minute excerpt from a 2021 interview with Professor Michael Parkinson, renowned for his work on urban regeneration, particularly in Liverpool. He discusses Liverpool's transformation from a city on the brink of collapse in the 1980s to one experiencing a significant Renaissance. He is interviewed by the late author and Guardian journalist, Henry McDonald.

Key factors for this recovery include:

• A shift in local leadership and collaboration between the private and public sectors.
• Substantial investment from the European Union and key private investors like the Duke of Westminster.
• The success of initiatives such as Liverpool One and the European Capital of Culture in 2008.
• Ongoing challenges in economic and social issues, particularly in neglected areas like North Liverpool.
• Exciting new developments, including Everton FC's plans for a sustainable stadium at Bramley Moore Dock, aiming to revitalize the city’s northern waterfront.

1. On Liverpool's Transformation:

   • “Liverpool went from this culture of failure to a culture of success.”
   • “Europe took a risk and invested in Liverpool when national government wouldn’t.”

2. On Collaboration and Leadership:

   • “30 years ago, the private and public sectors were at odds. That’s changed. Now we have much more of a partnership approach.”
   • “The Labour government’s investment in cities, along with local leadership, helped reposition Liverpool.”

3. On European Influence:

   • “European money in the 1990s made the difference between Liverpool collapsing and recovering – €1.4 billion over 10 years.”

4. On Everton’s Stadium Development:

   • “It would transform the worst part of the waterfront… and tie that part of the city back into the city center.”
   • “This project is hugely symbolic, culturally significant, and exciting.”

5. On Liverpool’s Resilience:

   • “It had a very good boom and quite a decent bust. Liverpool didn’t go as far backwards during austerity as it could have.”

6. On the Waterfront:

   • “The river made Liverpool the richest city in the greatest empire outside of London. And for 30 years, Liverpool turned its back to it.”

7. Closing Reflection:

   • “Liverpool is the pool of life. It makes to live.” – Carl Jung.

These quotes and insights highlight Liverpool's unique journey of urban regeneration and the blend of local, national, and European efforts that fueled its recovery.

“The real problems we have with cavity wall insulation is it’s been installed in the wrong geographical locations, in the wrong type of housing stock.” – Damian Mercer

In this eye-opening episode of Constructive Voices, host Steve Randall dives into the critical topic of cavity wall insulation with expert guest Damian Mercer, Owner and Director of Cavity Extraction Ltd.

While cavity wall insulation is designed to enhance energy efficiency and reduce carbon footprints, its failure in millions of UK homes has led to a cascade of issues including damp, mould, financial strain, and even health problems. Could this be a national scandal in the making?

“Nature has a calming and restorative effect. It can improve our mood, cognitive function, and overall well-being—it’s not just a luxury; it’s essential.”– Dr Nadina Galle

In the final part of this enlightening series, Jackie de Burca sits down with ecological engineer and National Geographic Explorer Nadina Galle to discuss the transformative power of nature. From understanding how nature heals our bodies and minds to innovative practices like forest therapy and urban tree email campaigns, this episode is brimming with hope and practical insights.

Nadina shares deeply personal reflections from her book, The Nature of Our Cities, and offers actionable advice on integrating nature into our daily lives—whether in sprawling forests or a single urban tree. For anyone seeking inspiration and strategies to reconnect with nature, this is a must-listen episode.