Leaders of Liverpool city region’s six local authorities will be asked to approve the release of £96m to kick-start the project to build the new Merseyrail Liverpool Baltic station. Tony McDonough reports
Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram will ask leaders of Liverpool city region’s six local authorities to release £96m for the Liverpool Baltic station project.
At next week’s monthly meeting of the Combined Authority the leaders will be asked to sanction the release of the case which will come from the £710m City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement.
This will kick-start the next stage of the project – a planning application to be submitted to Liverpool City Council in October. Pending approvals from the Department for Transport, construction will begin next year, with the new Merseyrail station open by 2027.
This investment will fund the new station, alongside improvements to active travel and surrounding public spaces, following significant support from a recent public consultation.
Located on Merseyrail’s Northern Line, Liverpool Baltic will serve one of the city’s most dynamic districts which has become a hub of creative and digital businesses as well as multiple food, drink and entertainment venues.
Plans for Liverpool Baltic include step-free access from the street to the train, passenger waiting facilities, accessible toilets, secure cycle parking, and improved links to the area’s walking and cycling networks.
These enhancements aim to encourage more people to choose public transport, supporting the region’s climate goals.
Mr Rotheram said: “This new station at Liverpool Baltic is just another step on the journey towards making our Merseyrail system bigger, better, and more accessible for everyone.
“People here are passionate about their communities, and I’m really proud to see the overwhelming support this project has seen, which reflects just how much of a difference it’s going to make.
“It’s about more than just getting from A to B – it’s about connecting people with jobs, education, and each other while cutting down on car journeys to help us hit our net-zero targets.
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“We’re investing nearly £100 million into a station that’s going to change the face of one of the coolest, most vibrant areas in the country – and we’re not stopping there.
“We’ve got plans for three more stations in Daresbury, Woodchurch, and Carr Mill. Good public transport is a right that should be enjoyed by all, not just those living in London.”