For the first time in almost two years Mersey Ferries are set to return to Seacombe ferry terminal in Wirral following a £7m upgrade. Tony McDonough reports

Mersey Ferries will resume calling at Seacombe ferry terminal in Wirral for the first time in almost two years following a £7m upgrade.

Both commuter and River Explorer cruises will start running from Seacombe on Monday, October 17. Both the 130-year-old linkspan bridges were replaced in a major piece of engineering work.

Now the landing stage has been refurbished and passengers will notice new powered gangways to help people get on and off the ferry easily. There is also a new ticket office area  integrating fully with the new Eureka! Science and Discovery close by.

Following the successful completion of the project, attention will now turn to Woodside ferry terminal just along the Wirral waterfront close to Hamilton Square. This set to close for a similar upgrade closely linked to wider regeneration plans for the local area.

Improvement works at both ferry terminals are part of Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s plans to help make sure the iconic Mersey Ferries can sail along the River Mersey for generations to come.

Cllr Liam Robinson, Transport and Air Quality portfolio holder for the Combined Authority, said: “It’s fantastic news that ferry services will be returning to Seacombe soon. We’re extremely grateful for the patience our loyal customers have shown while these improvement works have taken place.

“The re-opening of Seacombe will allow us to begin work at Woodside and bring it up to the same standard and support the on-going regeneration works in Birkenhead.

“The Mersey Ferries are an important part of our cultural identity in the city region. These works at both of our Wirral terminals will make sure the ferries can continue to operate from there for many years to come.”

New commuter ticket bundles for three and five days will also be available. These are designed to make it easier for passengers who may only be travelling for part of the week to use the ferries.

Passenger numbers on the Mersey Ferries have recovered strongly following a significant drop during the Covid pandemic. Latest data suggests the number of people enjoying the ferries has risen to pre-pandemic levels.