A new CGI video fly-through of a proposed new Merseyrail station, expected to be in operation by 2023, has been released by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. Tony McDonough reports

A CGI video fly-through of what Merseyrail’s proposed new station at Kirkby will look like has been released by Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

The CA committed £66m to the project in March this year from its Transforming Cities Fund. Under the plans, Merseyrail’s Northern Line would be extended beyond the current Kirkby station to a new second station in the town at Headbolt Lane.

This would offer easier access to the network for residents Northwood and Tower Hill. It is hoped work on the new station. Northern services from Wigan and Manchester would also operate to and from the new three-platform station. It is hoped work will begin this year with completion by 2023.

It is a key part of Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram’s plans to deliver a London-style transport system for the city region, which aims to bring together bus, rail, ferry and active travel in one transport network.

It is also aligned to Knowsley Council’s plans for the area to improve transport access in the area for residents whilst also supporting workers and visitors to one of Europe’s largest employment sites in Europe – Knowsley Business Park.

The new station plans include proposals for:

• Step-free access throughout the station.
• A bus interchange.
• Cycle parking.
• Links to the local cycling and walking networks.
• Passenger waiting facilities and toilets.
• Approximately 300 park and ride spaces.

A planning application is due to be submitted in early July. The scheme is being delivered in partnership with Knowsley Council, Network Rail, Merseyrail and Northern. It is also being designed to support the future scheme to build a new rail link to Skelmersdale.

A public consultation on the plans is now under way. You can take part, and view the CGI fly-through by clicking here.

Steve Rotheram, re-elected Metro Mayor, said: “I’ve always been really proud to be from Kirkby, so it’s really exciting to see all of the work we’ve been doing to help get the area back on the up again.

“From the tens of millions we have invested, to the work we’re doing to open this station at Headbolt Lane, we’re making a real difference because of devolution – and the ability to make more decisions locally.

“Good public transport is vital for connecting people with each other and with opportunity. That’s never been more important than in the post-pandemic world, where we need to build back better.”