With the launch of the £70m Isle of Man ferry terminal on Liverpool waterfront now imminent, a new £340,000 bridge linking the facility with Princes Dock has opened. Tony McDonough reports

A new £340,000 pedestrian bridge linking Princes Dock in Liverpool Waters to Central Dock and the new Isle of Man ferry terminal is now open to the public,

Official opening of the new £70m terminal, paid for by the Isle of Man Government is imminent and is expected to happen this month. Since March the Steam Packet fast craft Manannan has been conducting berthing trials.

Currently Manannan is still using the pontoon next to the Pier Head for daily services to and from the Isle of Man. The Manx Government said it didn’t want to open the new terminal during the mega-busy TT Races, which have now ended.

This new bridge connecting to the terminal has been part-funded by section 106 money. Section 106 is money paid by developers that is used to benefit the area around a scheme.

It forms a critical link within Peel Waters’ growing Liverpool Waters district, connecting the pedestrian and cycleways at Princes Dock with Central Docks. 

This is part of a long-term vision to eventually open up access along the entire Liverpool waterfront from Aigburth right through to Bramley-Moore Dock.

As part of the refurbishment of the new bridge Peel Waters has preserved and retained the historic lock gates, which sit on either side of the dock.

Chris Capes, development director for Liverpool Waters, said: “With a thriving business and residential community, a growing leisure industry at Princes Dock, the new Isle of Man ferry terminal, and a brand new £100m residential neighbourhood under development at Central Docks, this bridge forms a critical link at Liverpool Waters.

“By connecting existing pedestrian and cycleways, the bridge will also encourage active and sustainable travel along the whole of the Liverpool waterfront, which is an important part of our long-term plan for the regeneration of Liverpool’s historic waterfront.”

READ MORE: ‘UK’s first floating sauna’ in Liverpool secures approval

Liverpool Cabinet Member for Growth and Economy, Cllr Nick Small, added: “This new bridge provides a critical link from the city to the new terminal, and the emerging new neighbourhoods beyond.

“It is fantastic to see the whole riverside and northern docklands gradually opening up with access for everyone, something Liverpool City Council is very glad to support.”