LOCAL leaders have approved a £96 million funding package to build the Liverpool Baltic station, as part of Mayor Steve Rotheram’s ongoing work to improve rail access across the Liverpool City Region.

The package was approved at today’s Combined Authority meeting, paving the way for a planning application to be submitted to Liverpool City Council in October 2024. Pending approvals from the Department for Transport, construction will begin next year, with the Mayor pledging to have the station open by 2027.

The investment will fund the new station, alongside improvements to active travel and surrounding public spaces, following significant support from a recent public consultation. The Liverpool Baltic station, set to be located on Merseyrail’s Northern Line, will serve 1 of the City’s most dynamic districts, recently named the 11th coolest neighbourhood in the world by Time Out magazine.

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.

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:- “I’ve always said that a world-class transport network is key to unlocking the full potential of our region – and that’s exactly what we’re building. 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. We’re investing nearly £100 million into a station that’s going to change the face of 1 of the coolest, most vibrant areas in the country – and we’re not stopping there. We’ve got plans for 3 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.”

The development builds on the success of the £80 million Headbolt Lane station, which opened last year in Kirkby. This station is served by pioneering battery-powered trains which have brought about the 1st extension to the Merseyrail network in a generation, with further growth planned. The Mayor has also committed to delivering three further stations in Daresbury, Woodchurch, and Carr Mill, with work on all 3 set to begin by the end of this decade.

The £96 million required for the station will come from the £710 million City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS), dedicated to major transport projects across the City region. Alongside this, funding for various active travel schemes was also approved at this month’s Combined Authority meeting.

For more information about the scheme, visit this website.