A new link bridge is being built at Liverpool Waters, opening up pedestrian and cycle access that will eventually stretch to Everton’s new stadium. Tony McDonough reports

Peel L&P is building a new link bridge at Liverpool Waters connecting the new £70m Isle of Man ferry terminal at Central Dock with Princes Dock.

Liverpool City Council has approved the link. It will open up new access for cyclists and pedestrians that will eventually allow them to reach Everton FC’s new £500m stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock. 

Peel L&P says the bridge will be partly paid for using section 106 money. Section 106 agreements see developers offer to offer funding for local infrastructure improvements as part of the planning approval.

Historic lock gates, which sit on either side of the dock, will be retained to preserve the heritage of the location. New granite setts will be embedded in the ground, engraved with each dock name, to form a welcome mat at both ends of the new link bridge.

The bridge will  be in place ready for the opening of the new Isle of Man Ferry terminal expected in June 2023. It will create a waterfront path that goes all the way to Aigburth.

In December 2021 it was revealed that politicians in the Isle of Man will have to stump up an extra £32.6m for the terminal. Cost of the project rocketed from an original £31.3m to £70.6m.

Chris Capes, Peel L&P’s development director for Liverpool Waters, said: “This bridge is a critical link, connecting the new ferry terminal with other developments at Liverpool Waters. This includes the recently approved £100m waterfront neighbourhood being developed at Central Dock by Romal Capital.

“The bridge will also encourage active and sustainable travel along the whole of the Liverpool waterfront through new connecting pedestrian and cycleways. This is an important part of our long-term plan for Liverpool Waters.”