Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor confirms Kirkby station scheme will complete in autumn as planned, despite news of developers filing for administration. Tony McDonough reports.
Buckingham Group were principal contractors on the £80m Headbolt Lane Station scheme in Kirkby – a key part of the Metro Mayor’s plans to deliver a London-style transport system for the city region.
Work on the station began in March 2022. Once open it will offer better access to the Merseyrail network for people living in the Tower Hill and Northwood areas of Kirkby.
Last week, Buckingham Group, a £700m-turnover business, filed notice of intention to appoint administrators to try to keep its creditors at bay.
In a statement issued on August 17, the group cited reasons of “rapidly escalating contract losses and a sharp reduction in liquidity”.
It has emphasised that it is not currently in administration and says its main aim at present is to “protect jobs, and to preserve as much of the business as possible”.
Mayor Rotherham has made efforts to reassure residents in Kirkby that the Headbolt Lane scheme will not be affected.
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He confirmed that as the majority of construction work at Headbolt Lane Station is already at an advanced stage, he does not believe the news will impact development and that plans remain on course to complete the scheme by autumn.
In a statement issued yesterday, he added: “Having grown up in Kirkby, I know how long local people have been calling for a new station in the area and, thanks to devolution, their wait is almost over.
“We have invested £80m into this brand new, fully accessible station, which will be the first to be served by the country’s first publicly owned battery powered trains. It is the gold standard of public transport – and the very least that our residents deserve.
“We will continue to keep residents informed as plans become clear on the exact timescales for completion of the scheme.”
Buckingham Group is also the main contractor for Liverpool Football Club’s Anfield Road Stand.
The Club said in a statement it will continue to work with Buckingham Group on the planned phased opening of the remainder of the new stand and will continue to keep supporters updated on arrangements for future games.