Liverpool is booming, the report says (picture from freefoto.com)

University of Liverpool academics found that a high number of new visitors are being attracted, more people are being employed and the economy is booming.

The Impacts 08 research also found a higher percentage of positive coverage of the city in the national media.

London's Olympic chiefs are to use a similar model to assess the impact of the 2012 games on the capital.

Academics used a mixture of surveys and questionnaires to arrive at their findings contained in the report, said to be the first to assess the impact of the city's successful bid.

The Impacts 08 research programme was launched to evaluate the influence of Liverpool becoming European Capital of Culture from its bid stages to 2008 and beyond.

This is not just about delivering a highly successful 2008 but how businesses in the city can build on the transformation of Liverpool's image Warren Bradley, council leader

Researchers found that 41% of tourists had never visited Liverpool before, compared with a national average of 26%.

Employment volume in the city grew well in excess of the national rate between 2000 and 2005.

Construction, architecture and engineering jobs have enjoyed a 138% increase, hotels and bars have risen by 29% and the creative industries have seen a 50% rise.

The value of all this economic activity has grown from �5.5bn to almost �7bn between 2000 and 2004, researchers said.

Dr Beatriz Garcia, programme director, said: "This report demonstrates how the city is prospering in all areas and we will continue to monitor 2008-related activities so we can identify key areas of impact."

Warren Bradley, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said it was important that results of the study were analysed to help the future development of the city.