Liverpool water front will receive a £1.9 million boost from the Northwest Regional Development Agency.

The facelift, which has already begun, includes the second phases of developing Canning Maritime Park, building mooring at Salthouse Dock, fine-tuning Albert Dock, installing public art at Kings Waterfront and pedestrianisation.

The work will open the city to visitors on foot, in cars and by boat - along the new Leeds to Liverpool canal link.

Over the last five years the face of Liverpool's docklands has changed with the development of Princes Dock and Kings Waterfront.

Liverpool Vision's chief executive Jim Gill said there had already been improvements in the city's economy.

"The NWDA funding will encourage greater movement between these attractions," Mr Gill added.

Liverpool is already receiving a cash boost from tourists this year who are investigating its status as European Capital of Culture 2008.

Recent events to mark this included a music festival on Matthew Street, a Creamfields weekender and a Beatles day.