Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) has unveiled the latest images of the £100M Liverpool Baltic station, sparking anticipation as the project gears up for a public consultation. This crucial step could see construction commencing next year.
The new Liverpool Baltic station is set to rise from the historic site of the old St James station, which closed in 1917 due to wartime austerity. Merseyrail acquired the adjacent land in 2021, planning to establish a station in the vibrant Baltic Triangle area. Positioned on the North Line, it will connect Liverpool to Manchester, Wigan, Southport, Preston, and beyond.
Mott MacDonald, appointed in April 2022 via Network Rail’s Design Services framework, is the mastermind behind the station's design. The plans promise modern features, including step-free access, passenger waiting facilities, accessible toilets, secured cycle parking, and enhanced links to the local active travel network.
From June 3 to July 26, the public can engage in the consultation process through an online survey. Additionally, two drop-in events will offer attendees a chance to experience a virtual reality (VR) walkthrough of the station.
Feedback from this consultation will refine the final designs before seeking planning approval. If all progresses smoothly, LCRCA aims to break ground in 2025, with the station opening by the end of 2027—ahead of the original schedule set by re-elected Liverpool City Region Mayor, Steve Rotheram.
Mayor Rotheram has also committed to developing three additional stations at Daresbury in Halton, Woodchurch on the Wirral, and Carr Mill in St Helens, aiming to initiate these projects by the decade's end.
Since I have been Mayor, I have worked around the clock to ensure our area has better connectivity so that people get to enjoy a reliable, accessible, affordable, and integrated public transport network that helps, rather than hinders people getting around.
He acknowledged the unique challenges posed by the subterranean platform design but emphasised that Liverpool Baltic exemplifies the region's forward-thinking transport ambitions. “Liverpool Baltic is just the first in a pipeline of new stations we will be delivering over the next few years to ensure we are connecting local people to each other and to the opportunities we are creating,” he added.
Nick Small, Liverpool City Council cabinet member for growth and economy, stated, “The new Liverpool Baltic station has huge potential to help drive the economic growth of this part of the city centre and will act as a vital service for the long-standing residential community. Its development will also complement the Council’s plans to improve the public realm in the area for both residents and visitors alike."
Network Rail sponsor Maisie Hogan shared her enthusiasm, saying, “We are pleased to see the CGI images bring the exciting plans for Liverpool Baltic station to life. We welcome the investment in the rail network and we’re delighted to be working with Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and other stakeholders to deliver the design of this project.”
Merseyrail managing director Neil Grabham also expressed his excitement, “These images reveal for the first time the fantastic new Merseyrail station that our customers will be enjoying in the near future. This is an incredibly complex project, but the end result will be something that will make a massive difference—not just to the Liverpool Baltic area, but to the whole of the city region. I would encourage everyone to visit the drop-in events to judge for themselves how the new station will look and work for customers.”
This project underscores the strategic civil engineering efforts to enhance Liverpool’s infrastructure, promising significant benefits for both local residents and visitors.
Source: www.newcivilengineer.com “Images of new £100M Liverpool Baltic station revealed with 2025 target for construction start” Rob Hakimian
