Liverpool City Region’s £1.6bn transport boost welcomed
Described as “crucial” by Liverpool Chamber and a “really big win” by Mayor Steve Rotheram, the investment confirmed by Chancellor Rachel Reeves will see work advance on three new stations including tech hotspot Daresbury.
Confirmed alongside progress for a new Liverpool-Manchester rail link among investments outlined by Reeves this week ahead of the upcoming Spending Review, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority said the funding will also allow it to take forward plans for a new rapid transit network.
The cash has been secured through the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement, and in the broader picture is effectively a remodelled version of a series of improvements in and around regional cities promised in the later days of Rishi Sunak’s government in lieu of HS2 investment.
At the heart of LCR’s plans is its largest-ever investment in local railway station infrastructure. Work will now progress on three new stations – Carr Mill in St Helens, Woodchurch in Wirral, and Daresbury in Halton – alongside an already approved £100m scheme at Liverpool Baltic and a £15m redevelopment of Runcorn station.
Sci-Tech Daresbury, where LCR expects a direct rail link to underpin 8,000 new jobs, is seen as especially vital. In time, linking better with North Wales is in the plan.
The region will also move forward with a commitment to deliver a new rapid transit network, offering fast, modern, and reliable services between Liverpool city centre, John Lennon Airport, and key locations in North Liverpool.
An inspiration here is the Belfast Glider, with the potential there to support new links with major destinations like the soon to open Hill Dickinson Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.
This is part of a broader programme to transform the region’s bus network, supporting the introduction of a zero-emission fleet, new depot infrastructure, and the rollout of franchising. West Yorkshire and South Yorkshire are also going down the road of returning buses to public control for the first time in nearly 40 years, following Greater Manchester’s move.
Beefed-up transport connectivity will also allow progress of a 10,000-home regeneration project in North Liverpool and South Sefton, on the back of Bramley-Moore Dock.
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “This is a really big win for our area and for the 1.6m people who call it home.
“It means new train stations where they’re needed most, better buses that actually turn up, and a new rapid transit system to help people get where they need to be – whether that’s for work, education, socialising or care.
“For too long, too many of our communities have had to put up with second-rate services. This is our chance to put that right.”
Transport secretary Heidi Alexander described the funding as a “watershed moment” on the government’s “journey” to improving transport across the North and Midlands. In all, £15.6bn has been committed.
Beyond the three flagship projects, the funding will also back local revitalisation and reconnection in the likes of Bootle, Huyton, Kirkby and Southport. In Birkenhead, investment will also support the Hind Street corridor, delivering infrastructure to support up to 1,500 homes on brownfield sites across several schemes.
Paul Cherpeau, chief executive of Liverpool Chamber, said: “The commitment of funding to new transit routes linking three major sites in the Liverpool City Region is obviously welcome news for local businesses, who understand the importance of better transport for their customers and staff.
“The improved connection to Liverpool John Lennon Airport is especially crucial as it prioritises a key strategic transport asset for our city region, within the context of a wider need for greater airport connectivity across the North West to help boost economic growth.
“Understandably, the memories of previous stalled and cancelled infrastructure projects linger long in the minds of business owners, so this announcement must be followed up with decisive and tangible action that wipes away any scepticism and allows us all to see that the promise is becoming a reality.”
Other transport spending already on-stream includes investment in low-emission buses, a £32m transport interchange in St Helens, and £26m for a new Mersey ferry.
Great news. Let’s hope that the money is used wisely, including opening up the loop line to bring train connections to all parts of Liverpool. No vanity schemes please.
By Anonymous
Loads of money that Stevie bet your made up
By Anonymous